Florian Wirtz Hands Liverpool Injury Scare as Last-Minute Change Made at Nottingham Forest

Liverpool suffered a significant pre-match blow during their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, as star summer signing Florian Wirtz was forced to withdraw from the starting lineup due to an injury sustained in the warm-up.[1][2][3][4]

The German international, who has been in scintillating form since joining from Bayer Leverkusen, was initially named in manager Arne Slot's starting XI. However, moments before kickoff, Wirtz was seen speaking with Liverpool staff on the pitch about an apparent issue, leading to his abrupt exclusion from the team.[1][2][3]

Curtis Jones stepped in as a last-minute replacement in midfield, marking an unexpected return for the versatile player who had starred against Brighton the previous week but had been shifted to right-back in that fixture. With Jones moving centrally, Dominik Szoboszlai filled in at right-back to accommodate the change.[1][3]

The updated Liverpool lineup featured Alisson in goal, with defenders Konate, Kerkez, and others, alongside midfielders Jones, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and attackers like Salah, Nunez (or similar as per reports), Ekitike, and Mac Allister. Substitutes included Gomez, Robertson, and youngsters like Morrison and Ngumoha.[3]

This injury scare adds to Liverpool's challenges in a packed schedule, with Wirtz's availability now in doubt. The former Leverkusen playmaker had arrived at the stadium appearing fully fit, making the withdrawal all the more shocking. Fans and analysts alike will be monitoring updates on the extent of the injury, as Liverpool aim to maintain their title push without one of their key creative forces.[2][4]

The match proceeded with the adjusted squad, highlighting Arne Slot's tactical flexibility amid the disruption.[1][4]

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