EPL: Wirtz Ruled Out! Arne Slot Delivers Ominous Injury Update Ahead of Liverpool vs West Ham
Arne Slot confirms Florian Wirtz out vs West Ham with lingering back injury return unknown. Jeremie Frimpong trains and joins squad for Saturday's Premier League tie.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot confirms Florian Wirtz misses West Ham clash due to back injury — “It's never down to our approach, we've seen many times at Anfield...”
Arne Slot has ruled out Florian Wirtz for Liverpool's Premier League showdown with West Ham on Saturday, admitting uncertainty over the playmaker's return timeline from a back injury sustained in the warm-up at Nottingham Forest.
While early signs pointed to a quick recovery, Slot described the setback as disappointing and unexpected, stating he “honestly doesn't know” when Wirtz will be available again.
However, there's positive news on Jeremie Frimpong, as the wing-back, out for nearly a month has trained with the group and will be included in the squad for the Anfield fixture.
He said: “Jeremie is OK, trained with us and is available, don't expect Florian to be, which is a disappointment, every time my player isn't available is disappointment and I didn't expect. No (idea how long he is out) usually I do but don't want to share it but I honestly don't know.
"It's a big accomplishment for him to stay fit for such a long time because he had to stay fit to make the step up but unfortunately he is not available, which is a disappointment for him and for us, because he played really well.”
Liverpool Host West Ham in Premier League Clash
Liverpool, currently sixth in the Premier League table, will host West Ham United at Anfield on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM GMT. The Reds are looking to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Champions League, while the Hammers are fighting to avoid relegation, sitting 18th in the table.
Liverpool's recent form has been solid, with five wins in their last six games, including a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. However, they will be without playmaker Florian Wirtz, who is out injured, and Alexander Isak, who is recovering from a broken leg. Jeremie Frimpong is expected to return to the lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury.
West Ham, on the other hand, has accumulated 11 points from their last six league matches, with three wins, two draws, and one loss. They will be looking to cause an upset at Anfield, where Liverpool has a strong home record.
Slot continued: “The way I see it, this is another game for us and we are not focused on other teams, only ourselves. We need to win a lot of games, because our teams will and that is where our focus is. Not so much about points and gaps although we are aware of the table.”
Slot acknowledges West Ham as a genuine threat, given Liverpool's inconsistent season, especially against bottom-half teams.
“But that is not only for us. You watch games of the opposition and we are not the only team that sometimes plays a half like we played against Forest. It's also the quality you face, give credit to Forest. That is the new reality in PL, in recent years the top teams, it was more obvious. Now it is about all the money in the league and these teams have owners who can spend.
“The win in November against West Ham was an important win, we played well. Resulted in a win, only lost twice since then, only in extra time, which is nothing new for us this season! Maybe things have changed, finally, as we scored stoppage time v Forest.”
The latest on Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz latest ahead of #LIVWHU ℹ️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 27, 2026
Alisson's Potential Juventus Move
Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, has addressed the situation of senior goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who's been linked with a move to Juventus this summer. Reports suggest Juventus is interested in Alisson, citing his experience and leadership, as they look to replace struggling goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Alisson's contract with Liverpool expires in 2027, but the Reds have the option to extend it by a year and have already brought in Giorgi Mamardashvili as his potential successor.
Slot said of his senior keeper: “In an ideal world you don't need the goalkeeper because you defend so well but the good thing is if we do we have an outstanding one, he has been here seven years now, we don't only have one good goalkeeper, we have (Giorgi) Mamardashvili too, another who could be No. 1.
“This place is in a good place for keepers, has been for years. Ali always been No. 1, which says how good he is.”
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 27, 2026
Salah's Form Under Fire
Mohamed Salah's recent performances have sparked criticism, with pundits calling for him to be benched. The Egyptian's form has dipped, and with it, speculation about his future at Liverpool has resurfaced, including potential summer moves to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere.
The Dutchman stated: “He set his own standards and they are so, so, so high the moment he doesn't score for a few games, people are surprised, so that is the big compliment.
"I think I should go really detailed into performances and this is not the time and place to do it here. With Mo we are used to scoring goals. We also know, even in my time, it has happened, I've had questions about Mo not scoring for three or four games but he always scores again.”
Ngumoha Gets His Chance
Slot reveals he's giving 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha more opportunities as his game develops, bringing him through the ranks.
He explained, “Yeah, another great example how you can manipulate data, not talking about cup and Champions League games, Rio has only played 89 mins PL, to be more realistic - or to tell the truth! - then you see his playing time has improved massively over the last few weeks and that is because he has developed.
“People are talking about him because he is doing really well, we like that. It's another example of a player that someone want to see more and more. It's all due to the fact he does well when he comes in. The highlight versus Forest was his 1v1 action and how important that is in football but he had a few other moments he did as well which we talk about.
“That is part of the development, I really like where he is now. If he stays fit more minutes will come in the future.”
Slow Starts A Problem
Slot admits Liverpool struggle to break down teams like West Ham in the opening minutes at Anfield.
Liverpool have been consistently poor starters at home this season and Slot concluded: “It's never down to our approach, we've seen many times at Anfield...when I had to play at Anfield, I would 100% ask my players to slow the game down and get the fans not behind the team.
“Take your time, slow the fans down and that is what other teams do, which is fair. So it is on us to find the moments to create. It's harder to do when the other team is totally fit.”
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