The German midfielder withdrew in warm-up as Reds stay alive in Champions League race thanks to a late winner by Alexis Mac Allister on Sunday
Liverpool secured three crucial points at the City Ground, but the afternoon began with a setback that had nothing to do with Nottingham Forest’s resistance.
Florian Wirtz, initially named in the starting line-up, was forced to withdraw during the pre-match warm-up after experiencing discomfort in his back.
The late change disrupted Arne Slot’s preparations moments before kick-off and added to a growing list of injury concerns, as Curtis Jones was drafted into the starting XI in Wirtz’s place within Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Despite the setback, Liverpool ultimately found a breakthrough. Alexis Mac Allister delivered the decisive moment, sealing a 1-0 victory that keeps the Reds firmly in the race for Champions League qualification.
They now sit level on points with Manchester United and Chelsea in a tightly contested battle for the top five, with the Red Devils set to face Everton on Monday.
Slot hopeful Wirtz setback is short term
Still, the post-match discussion centred as much on the injury concern as the result. After the match, Slot offered reassurance but stopped short of full certainty regarding Wirtz’s availability moving forward.
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“We don’t think it is very serious, but he felt his back too much during the warm-up to start,” Slot said after the game.
“He wasn’t able to be 100 percent or even close to 100 percent. I think after being in this league for six, seven, or eight months, he now understands – no matter how good you are on the ball, you need to be 100 percent at this level.
“So, we decided not to play him. We hope and expect he will be able to be with us again next week, but you never know how things work out.”
Wirtz has quickly become an important creative presence since arriving, and his absence was immediately felt in Liverpool’s build-up play.
Forest pressed aggressively and forced Liverpool to work for control, particularly in the early stages. Without Wirtz’s technical composure in advanced areas, the Reds had to rely on collective discipline and defensive resilience. Mac Allister’s late strike provided the breakthrough that had eluded them for much of the match.
As the Champions League chase intensifies, the physical condition of key players will likely determine how far the Reds can push. Slot now faces a tense wait for medical updates not only on Wirtz but also on other squad members managing fitness concerns.