Florian Wirtz sidelined before kickoff as Liverpool snatch late 1-0 at Nottingham
florian wirtz was forced out minutes before kickoff after feeling a problem in his back during the warm-up and watched Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest from the stands. The late withdrawal matters because it came as Liverpool chase points in the fight for Champions League places and presents a fresh concern for the German national team ahead of the World Cup in four months.
Florian Wirtz taken out of starting XI after warm-up
Wirtz, the German international on Liverpool’s books, had been due to start but sustained the issue while warming up and was unable to take part in the match. The club adjusted the lineup at short notice and Curtis Jones was moved into the first eleven in his place. Cameras later showed Wirtz on the tribune wrapped in his training jacket with the hood up.
Coach Arne Slot describes back problem and gives timetable hope
After the 1-0 win, Liverpool coach Arne Slot said he did not believe the issue was very serious but that Wirtz had "felt his back" and was not able to give 100 percent or anything close to that. Slot added that the club hope and assume Wirtz can be back with the squad next week, but that one never knows. Slot also stressed the team cannot rely on a single player, noted that Liverpool have missed players across the season, called Wirtz’s absence another loss and said Wirtz is in really good form.
Late match drama: Mac Allister winner after disallowed effort and VAR check
Liverpool secured the three points thanks to a late goal by Alexis Mac Allister in the 90th +7 minute to make it 1-0. Earlier, Mac Allister had put the ball in the net in the 90th minute but that strike was ruled out for handball. When the ball went in a second time a lengthy VAR review followed to check a potential offside in the buildup involving captain Virgil van Dijk; the VAR raised no objections to the second goal and Liverpool were allowed to celebrate.
Match context: Nottingham Forest, kickoff time and season stakes
The game came on Sunday (15: 00 ET) as Liverpool pursued three important points in the race for Champions League qualification. Nottingham Forest arrived as a relegation candidate and had unveiled their fourth coach of the season earlier in the week, making the fixture a tricky assignment for a Reds side described in the coverage as having a strongly fluctuating campaign.
Uncertainty over injury details and implications for Germany
Which specific injury Wirtz has sustained and whether a longer absence is required is unclear in the provided context. The late withdrawal nonetheless represents at least a small scare for the German national team and their coach Julian Nagelsmann with the World Cup coming in four months.
Season numbers and immediate squad impact
In the ongoing campaign, florian wirtz has featured in 35 competitive matches for Liverpool, scoring six goals and contributing eight assists. His unavailability in Nottingham forced a last-minute reshuffle and handed Curtis Jones the starting berth for the match.
