Florian Wirtz

Wirtz (illness) remains a doubt for Friday's clash against Aston Villa after being placed on antibiotics for a stomach infection, according to coach Arne Slot. "Stomach infection, so let's see how fit he is for tomorrow. He's on antibiotics. Let's see if he's ready to play tomorrow."

Analysis: Wirtz had missed Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to a stomach infection after attempting to train earlier in the week before his condition worsened, and the continued use of antibiotics suggests he has not yet fully recovered. The German playmaker had started Liverpool's last 11 matches across all competitions before the illness struck, contributing one goal, two assists and 30 chances created in that span, making his availability for the Aston Villa fixture a matter of real importance for the Reds heading into the final stretch of the season.

May 9, 2026

Illness rules him out

Wirtz is ruled out of Saturday's clash against Chelsea due to illness, according to coach Arne Slot. "He tried everything to be in it. But an infection in the stomach. He wasn't feeling well during the week. He tried earlier in the week to train, but in the end things got worse and he wasn't able to train with us yesterday and isn't able to be with us today."

Analysis: Wirtz's absence is an untimely blow for Liverpool heading into a high-stakes fixture, with Rio Ngumoha stepping into the starting lineup in his place. The club will hope the illness proves short-lived enough to have their key attacking midfielder available again for the remaining fixtures of the campaign, with Liverpool unable to afford any further disruptions at this stage of the season. Wirtz started the last 11 games across all competitions for Liverpool, contributing one goal, two assists and 30 chances created in that span.

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Florian Wirtz

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