Liverpool injury update is once again a major talking point ahead of the Reds’ trip to West Ham on 28 February, with Florian Wirtz emerging as the latest concern.
Arne Slot’s side secured a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend thanks to a late Alexis Mac Allister goal, keeping their push for Champions League qualification alive. However, the victory came at a cost after Wirtz withdrew in the warm-up.
Here is the latest on Wirtz and others currently sidelined.
Liverpool injury update: Florian Wirtz latest
Wirtz was set to start in the No10 role at the City Ground but felt discomfort during the pre-match warm-up. Curtis Jones stepped into the line-up as a result.
Slot offered a cautious update after the game.
“We tried it in the warm-up and he wasn't able to play. The good thing is there is a week to go until the next game,” he told Sky Sports.
The wording suggests a minor issue rather than a long-term setback, though his involvement at West Ham remains subject to assessment during the week.
Potential return date: West Ham (A), 28 February 2026
Jeremie Frimpong fitness timeline
Frimpong has endured a disrupted first season at Anfield. His latest muscle problem occurred in the 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag, forcing an early exit.
Slot confirmed earlier that he would “for sure” miss the Sunderland fixture and he was also absent against Brighton and Forest.
“We hope he will be involved next week if things go as planned,” Slot previously stated.
That places him in contention for the West Ham clash, depending on training progress.
Potential return date: West Ham (A), 28 February 2026
Wataru Endo injury concern
Endo filled in at right-back against Sunderland but was stretchered off after landing awkwardly while clearing the ball.
“His injury doesn’t look good,” Slot admitted. “I expect him to be out, unfortunately, for quite a long time again.”
The precise nature of the injury has not yet been confirmed. Recovery timelines will become clearer once medical assessments are completed.
Potential return date: Unknown
Conor Bradley knee surgery
Bradley suffered a significant knee injury during the draw at Arsenal last month. Although he avoided an ACL tear, surgery was required to repair ligament damage.
Liverpool confirmed he will undergo a lengthy rehabilitation period, with no official return date set.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Alexander Isak recovery update
Isak has not featured since suffering a broken leg in the 2-1 win over Tottenham before Christmas. The striker has returned to light running work but remains some distance from match fitness.
“I think he has been on the pitch now, not with his football shoes, but with his running shoes, for the first time this week,” Slot explained. “That will still take a while as well before he is ready to play for us again.”
Potential return date: April 2026
Giovanni Leoni long-term absence
Young centre-back Giovanni Leoni ruptured his ACL earlier in the campaign against Southampton in the League Cup.
“He tore his ACL and it means he will be out for around a year,” Slot confirmed.
Given the timeline, his return is expected closer to the start of the 2026/27 season.
Potential return date: September 2026
Key Insights
- Florian Wirtz is a doubt after a warm-up injury
- Jeremie Frimpong is nearing a return from a muscle problem
- Wataru Endo faces a potentially lengthy spell out
- Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are long-term absentees
- Alexander Isak remains in early stages of recovery
What’s Next
Liverpool face West Ham on 28 February in a crucial fixture for their European ambitions. Training updates later this week will determine Wirtz and Frimpong’s availability. However, with several defensive absences already confirmed, squad depth will again be tested during a decisive phase of the campaign.
Can Liverpool navigate their injury setbacks and maintain momentum in the race for Champions League qualification?
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