Arne Slot has revealed that Florian Wirtz is managing a hamstring injury that limited his training and impacted his performance during Liverpool’s scoreless draw with Leeds United.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that summer signing Florian Wirtz is struggling with a hamstring injury following the club’s 0-0 draw against Leeds United.
The £100 million midfielder, who recently scored his first goal for the Reds against Wolves, appeared subdued before being substituted in the 66th minute.
The stalemate at Anfield was marked by a lack of clinical finishing, leaving Liverpool frustrated as they opened their 2026 campaign.
The German international was a doubt ahead of the fixture, having completed only a single training session during the week.
Slot admitted the decision to play Wirtz was a calculated risk aimed at balancing immediate results with long-term fitness.
Slot told LFCTV: “Florian only trained once this week because two days after the game, he felt his hamstring still a bit. You try to be as careful as you can without ruining your chances.”
Liverpool’s injury crisis shows little sign of abating, with Cody Gakpo’s return providing a rare boost to a depleted squad.
With Joe Gomez the only other player nearing a return, Slot emphasized the need for caution during a congested schedule.
He warned: “Missing out on another one would be an even bigger problem if that’s going to take five, six or seven weeks or longer.” The Reds now prepare for Sunday’s trip to Fulham.