Iraola ‘fairly optimistic’: Wirtz likely to be fit to face Chelsea

On Sunday, Florian Wirtz had to be substituted after picking up a knock. However, it isn’t too serious. He could be back in action as early as Wednesday.

Liverpool FC have now recorded four consecutive wins across all competitions; the Reds are gradually finding their form. Most recently, Florian Wirtz also showed improved form with two goals in the Champions League matches against Sturm Graz (6–3) and Villarreal (4–3), as well as a supposed goal against Brighton & Hove Albion – although the Premier League subsequently ruled the goal an own goal by Pascal Groß.

However, during the 2–0 victory over the Seagulls, Wirtz had to be substituted after just under an hour following a slight twist to his ankle. “It doesn’t look like anything serious, but we’re playing every three days. So we’ll have to see how he’s getting on,” LFC manager Andoni Iraola had said shortly after the match, already expressing cautious optimism.

Iraola announces changes

Now, one day before the League Cup clash with Chelsea FC, the Spaniard has provided an update at a press conference – with more positive news. Although they still have to wait for the final training session this afternoon, he said he was “quite optimistic that he’ll be fit to play”.

However, Iraola left open the question of whether Wirtz would be in the starting line-up again against the Blues. “There will definitely be changes,” said the 44-year-old, looking ahead to the coming days. After all, action resumes as early as Sunday (5.30 pm) with a top-of-the-table clash against second-placed Arsenal, before an away fixture in the Champions League against Fenerbahçe Istanbul awaits the following Wednesday (6.45 pm). “We’ll have to see how the players’ fitness is. We’ll try – not just in the Carabao Cup, but also in the Champions League – to make a few changes from game to game, because I consider that almost essential.”