Liverpool fans were left stunned before kick-off as Florian Wirtz was suddenly ruled out of the Reds’ Premier League clash with .
The 22-year-old German had been expected to make his 26th league appearance of the season. Instead, he was forced to watch from the bench after picking up a knock during the pre-match warm-up.
And judging by his expression during the first half, this was not how he imagined his afternoon going.
What Happened to Florian Wirtz?
The injury appeared to come out of nowhere.
Footage from the warm-up suggested it was a minor issue rather than something serious. There were no obvious signs of pain, no limp, and no dramatic reaction. That points toward a precautionary decision from and his medical team rather than a major setback.
Still, Liverpool supporters will be anxiously waiting for an official update to confirm the extent of the problem.
A Big Loss at the Worst Possible Time
Wirtz has been one of Liverpool’s most influential performers this season. Since arriving from , he has quickly become a creative heartbeat in midfield.
His numbers this season:
- 35 appearances (all competitions)
- 14 goal contributions
- 2 goals & 1 assist in his last 5 Premier League starts
That recent run shows just how sharp he has been. After a dazzling display against Sunderland, many expected him to be central again against Forest.
Instead, Liverpool looked flat.
Forest Dominate Early as Reds Struggle Without Wirtz’s creativity, Liverpool’s attack lacked rhythm and penetration.
The first-half statistics tell a worrying story:
First-Half Match Stats
Liverpool
- 0.06 xG
- 2 shots
- 0 shots on target
- 1 touch inside Forest’s box
Nottingham Forest
- 0.75 xG
- 8 shots
- 2 shots on target
- 10 touches inside Liverpool’s box
Forest pressed aggressively and controlled momentum, forcing Liverpool deep into their own half. For a team that had enjoyed a full week of preparation, the sluggish start raised eyebrows.
Especially when you consider Forest had midweek European commitments.
Why Wirtz Matters More Than Ever
Liverpool’s performance highlighted something important: Florian Wirtz is no longer just an exciting addition — he’s becoming essential.
His movement between the lines, quick decision-making, and eye for goal have provided Liverpool with an attacking spark that was clearly missing in this encounter.
If the injury proves minor, the Reds will breathe a huge sigh of relief. Because based on this display, Liverpool simply look far more dangerous when their German playmaker is pulling the strings.
For now, all eyes remain on Slot’s post-match update.
And Liverpool fans will be hoping this is nothing more than a small scare — not the start of a bigger problem.