Wolves vs Liverpool: Does Wirtz's absence worry Liverpool?

As Florian Wirtz started to perform up to expectations for Liverpool, injury arrived once more. This not only took away the German midfielder's chance to play but also plunged Arne Slot's squad into strategic worries.

If one only looked at the 5-2 scoreline against West Ham last weekend, it might suggest that Wirtz's absence did not affect Liverpool's scoring ability. The reality indicates the opposite: 3 of Slot's team's 5 goals came from set-piece situations.

Just when Wirtz was playing well, injury struck

The Dutch manager is having to find a way to revive Liverpool without his most advanced attacking weapons—the expensive new signings Alexander Isak and Wirtz. Isak overcame early-season fitness issues only to suffer a serious injury in the match against Tottenham last December. The Swedish striker will need considerable time and patience to regain his previous form.

And what about Wirtz? The £116 million signing gradually showed his influence at Anfield. Wirtz made a total of 25 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists. Other metrics for the German midfielder are also very positive. On average per match, he made 1.8 key passes creating scoring chances and completed 1.4 successful dribbles. Wirtz's strong performances in the early matches of this year were one of the reasons helping Slot's side revive their chances of securing Champions League qualification for next season. Currently, Liverpool are 3 points behind 4th-placed Aston Villa and hold the same lead over 6th-placed Chelsea.

Wirtz's last-minute absence from the match against Nottingham Forest two rounds ago left Slot's team struggling to generate attacking ideas. Without MacAllister's late goal, Liverpool would have fallen behind in the Top 4 race.

Wirtz's chances of playing in the upcoming matches remain very uncertain. Slot ruled out his return for tonight's trip to Wolves' Molineux. Speaking of Wolves, they were the team against whom Wirtz scored his first Premier League goal this season. That match took place in the final round of last year at Anfield. It was Wirtz who secured the winning goal for Liverpool. Slot's inability to specify a precise return date for Wirtz is causing unease among Liverpool fans. Immediately ahead are two consecutive matches against Wolves—tonight in the Premier League and in the FA Cup this coming Friday. Further ahead is the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Galatasaray in Turkey. Everyone hopes Wirtz recovers in time for the crucial European fixture rather than facing a long-term absence.

Do not underestimate Wolves

Many have mentioned that Slot will rotate his squad for the first of two consecutive away matches against Wolves. This is entirely understandable as Liverpool must play 6 matches in just under 3 weeks across 3 different competitions. Regardless of personnel choices, Liverpool must avoid complacency against a Wolves side still rooted at the bottom of the table and counting down the days to relegation.

Although Rob Edwards may lack the capability to save Wolves from relegation danger, he is crafting a better version of Wolves compared to the start of the season. Wolves' record in their last 11 matches is quite encouraging: 2 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. That is enough to prevent them from setting a new record for the worst points tally in Premier League history. Notably, Wolves have delivered commendable performances in their last 4 matches, including a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. Slot's team certainly must not underestimate Wolves if they wish to avoid becoming the next victims.

The factor giving Liverpool confidence for a victory at Molineux tonight is their impressive scoring ability, despite some unconvincing performances from Slot's side. Hugo Ekitike has proven to be a reliable center-forward at Anfield. His goal against West Ham brought the French striker's Premier League tally this season to 11.