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Liverpool v West Ham United Team News: Wirtz Blow, Frimpong Boost Before Anfield Clash
Liverpool return to Anfield on Saturday with momentum in their stride, but Arne Slot’s latest team news update has provided both encouragement and frustration ahead of the visit of West Ham United.
The Premier League champions edged past Nottingham Forest 1-0 last weekend. Yet preparations for this fixture have been shaped by injury developments that could influence the tempo and balance of the contest.
Wirtz Ruled Out, Frimpong Returns
The headline from Friday morning’s press conference centred on Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. One steps back into contention, the other remains sidelined.
Wirtz has not recovered from the back issue that forced him to miss the trip to the City Ground. The No.7 was withdrawn after the warm up at Nottingham Forest and will not feature against West Ham United.
Slot said: “Jeremie is [available]. He trained with us a few times this week so he is available.
Photo: IMAGO
“I don’t expect Florian to be available so that’s a disappointment, of course. Every time a player is not available it’s a disappointment and it’s also something I didn’t expect after last week but that’s sometimes how things can evolve and unfortunately this time not in a positive way.”
Pressed on a possible return date, Slot added: “No, at this moment of time, no – and usually when I say that I do know that but I don’t want to share it! But now I honestly don’t know.”
The Liverpool head coach continued: “It’s definitely a shame. He has rhythm, of course, and in my opinion it’s already a big accomplishment of him that he stayed fit for such a long time because he had to make a step from where he played towards Liverpool, towards the Premier League, and that he stayed fit tells you a lot about the mentality and work-rate of a player, and the performance staff.
“But unfortunately last week and this week he’s not available – and that is indeed a disappointment for him, but also for us because he played really, really, really well lately.”
Wirtz joins Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and Alexander Isak on the sidelines.
West Ham United Squad Updates
West Ham United arrive on Merseyside with concerns of their own. Forward Pablo Felipe is expected to miss out once again as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said: “He [Pablo] didn’t join us yet. He’s starting his individual programme, so he’s improving day by day. We’ll keep assessing him and see when he can return. Hopefully it’s soon, because we miss him.”
Midfielder Freddie Potts is suspended, while Lukasz Fabianski remains a long term absentee.
Nuno added: “There are always things to assess. We have another training session tomorrow [Friday] and then we will travel.”