Liverpool's best player to return in massive win for Arne Slot

Liverpool's best player is returning. It's a massive win for Arne Slot at exactly the right time.

Arne Slot confirmed this week that Florian Wirtz is on the brink of a return. The German has missed Liverpool's last three matches after picking up an injury during the pre-match warm-up against Nottingham Forest.

And the Reds have missed him - massively. Slot, though, says there's a chance that Wirtz is ready to face Wolves on Friday evening.

"He trained half and half yesterday with the team," Slot said at his pre-match press conference. "What I mean with that is he was a 'joker', you say over here I think, so he made the next step in his rehab.

"So, let's see where he is today and if he then could be available for a few – a few – minutes tomorrow, in the best scenario."

Florian Wirtz: Situation Summary

Injury Update and Return Timeline

Wirtz is currently recovering from a back injury sustained during the warm-up before Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on 22 February. Head coach Arne Slot provided a fresh update on 4 March, confirming that the German international has missed the last three fixtures, including the recent 2-1 defeat to Wolves. While Slot has officially ruled him out of the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Wolves taking place today, 6 March, there is optimism that Wirtz will be fit to travel for the Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Galatasaray on 10 March.

Performance and Adaptation Period

After his British-record £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, Wirtz initially endured a difficult transition to the Premier League, failing to register a goal or assist in his first 13 appearances. However, he found a prolific rhythm at the start of 2026, contributing four goals and two assists during a six-game stretch in January. Across 35 total appearances this season, he has recorded six goals and eight assists. According to WhoScored, Wirtz maintains an average match rating of 7.12 in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign, reflecting a significant upward trend in his output prior to his current injury.

Strategic Role and Contractual Standing

The 22-year-old is under a long-term contract at Anfield until 30 June 2030, and the club hierarchy views him as a cornerstone of the post-overhaul era. Arne Slot has specifically praised Wirtz’s tactical chemistry with forward Hugo Ekitiké, noting that the midfielder’s ability to find space between the lines has been vital to Liverpool's improved attacking fluidity in early 2026. Despite being heavily linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, Liverpool’s Sporting Director Richard Hughes is reportedly not entertaining any offers, as the club remains committed to building the team’s creative identity around the German playmaker.

Analysis

Wirtz has been a driving force for Liverpool lately, with his performances really coming together the last few months. The Reds are playing through the German and it's paying off.

His last 10 Premier League appearances have brought four goals and two assists. A strong run given there were zero of either before that all season.

Wirtz has created 19 chances over those 10 matches, too, as Liverpool start to benefit from his playmaking. But he's also managed 23 shots in that time.

All in all, Wirtz is the one making Liverpool tick - and he's doing it more and more. Where will he be in another 10 matches? We can't wait to find out and his return is imminent.

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