Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a reassuring update on Florian Wirtz after the German playmaker was a late withdrawal from the 1–0 victory over Nottingham Forest on February 22, 2026.
Wirtz was replaced by Curtis Jones just minutes before kick-off after experiencing discomfort during the pre-match warm-up.
The Precautionary Decision
Slot explained that the decision to bench the £116.5 million summer signing was purely about maintaining the high physical standards required in the Premier League.
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The Injury: A minor back issue that flared up during drills at the City Ground.
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Slot’s Verdict: “We don’t think it is very serious. He wasn’t able to be 100% or even close to it… after six months in this league, he knows you have to be at your best physically to compete.”
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The Timeline: The medical team is optimistic that a few days of rest will suffice, with Slot expecting Wirtz to be available for the clash against West Ham United next weekend.
Creativity Crisis Without Wirtz
The match highlighted just how dependent Liverpool has become on the 22-year-old’s vision. In his absence, the Reds struggled to break down a resilient Forest side.
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Missing Impact: Wirtz has been in scintillating form in early 2026, recording five goals and two assists.
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The “Ugly” Win: Liverpool lacked fluidity for 90 minutes, eventually needing a dramatic 97th-minute header from Alexis Mac Allister to snatch all three points.
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The Silver Lining: 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha provided a spark off the bench, with Slot praising the youngster’s energy during an otherwise “poor” team performance.