Liverpool dealt major injury blow ahead of West Ham United clash | OneFootball

Liverpool Team News: Arne Slot Provides Florian Wirtz Injury Update Before West Ham United Clash

Liverpool head into another pivotal Premier League weekend with momentum intact, but not without concern. As Arne Slot prepares his side for the visit of West Ham United to Anfield, attention has centred on the fitness of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.

The Reds secured a hard fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last time out, courtesy of a late Alexis Mac Allister strike. Yet the narrow scoreline only told part of the story. Liverpool laboured for rhythm and incision, particularly after losing Wirtz to injury before kick off.

Curtis Jones stepped in, performing diligently, but the absence of the German playmaker’s craft and control was evident.

Florian Wirtz Injury Update from Arne Slot

Slot addressed the situation directly in his pre match press conference, offering clarity, though not reassurance.

“I don’t expect Florian to be available, that is a disappointment of course.

“Every time a player is not available it is a disappointment and also something I did not expect after last week but that is sometimes how things evolve and unfortunately this time it is not in a positive way.”

Photo: IMAGO

For Liverpool, this matters. Wirtz has become central to how Slot’s side function between the lines. His intelligence in tight spaces and composure under pressure have added a new layer to a team that already claimed the Premier League title in 2024-25 under Slot’s leadership.

The manager admitted there is no firm timetable for the 22 year old’s return. At this stage of the campaign, with Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, uncertainty can be as troubling as the injury itself.

Jeremie Frimpong Boost Ahead of West Ham United

There was, however, more encouraging news regarding Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch defender has recovered from the groin issue sustained in the Champions League win over Qarabag and is back in training.

“Jeremie is [available] he trained with us a few times this week, so he is available,” Slot confirmed.

Frimpong’s availability could prove significant against West Ham United, particularly given the Hammers’ tendency to attack with width and pace. His energy and direct running offer Liverpool both defensive security and an additional outlet going forward.

Anfield Test Carries Weight for Liverpool

West Ham United arrive at Anfield fighting for survival, which makes them dangerous. Liverpool, meanwhile, are navigating what Slot described as the decisive stretch of the season, balancing domestic ambition with European aspirations.

Without Wirtz, creativity must be sourced collectively. With Frimpong back, tactical flexibility increases. For Liverpool and Arne Slot, Saturday is another examination of depth, adaptability and nerve.

Three points against West Ham United would not merely maintain pace, it would reinforce the sense that this Liverpool project remains firmly on course.