Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Florian Wirtz will be a late call for the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea due to a persistent ankle issue. While the German playmaker has been a key creative force for the Reds this season, his availability remains uncertain as medical staff assess his recovery progress. Iraola expressed cautious optimism regarding Wirtz’s status, stating, “Florian, I’m quite optimistic that he will be available,” signaling that the player is actively participating in training and is the most likely of the injured trio to feature.
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Conversely, the fitness outlook for Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz is significantly more concerning. Both players have missed Liverpool’s last two matches due to thigh and knee problems, respectively, raising questions about their readiness for high-intensity competition. Iraola admitted that their return is “more difficult” than Wirtz’s, noting, “I don’t want to say no, but I think it’s going to be more difficult than Florian, yes.” This distinction highlights the varying severity of the squad’s injury list, with Wirtz positioned as the frontrunner to return to the matchday squad.
The potential absence of these three key midfielders could force Iraola to make tactical adjustments for the Chelsea encounter. With Wirtz’s status as a late call, Liverpool’s midfield depth becomes a critical factor in their cup campaign. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if the German can shake off his ankle trouble to provide the creative spark needed against Chelsea’s defensive structure, while the continued sidelines of Szoboszlai and Munoz may limit Liverpool’s options for rotating their core midfield unit.
Source: The Independent Sport
