Liverpool’s injury list is shaping the week, and ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash with Wolves, the main focus is Florian Wirtz. What first looked manageable has turned into a more uncertain absence, with the German expected to miss out again.

Arne Slot said Tuesday will “probably” be too soon, and he admitted he does not have a clear return date. That is a change from last week, when he suggested Wirtz could be back for West Ham, only for the midfielder to remain unavailable.

The frustrating part is how reliable Wirtz had been. He missed only one of Liverpool’s first 26 league matches, and Slot has praised his mentality and fitness levels after adapting to the Premier League’s intensity.

This back issue is unfamiliar territory for him, and Liverpool are clearly not rushing it. With Wolves coming twice in quick succession and bigger games ahead, Slot looks set to prioritise the long term over short term risk.

Wirtz is not the only concern. Wataru Endo has undergone surgery after being stretchered off against Sunderland, with Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu confirming it went well and the aim is to have him ready for the World Cup this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Alexander Isak is also working back from a broken leg, with a return around the March international break mentioned, though match sharpness will take time.

There is no quick fix elsewhere either. Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are both expected to miss the rest of the season, leaving Slot to manage minutes carefully. Liverpool will try to keep momentum against Wolves, but the bigger challenge is navigating this run without losing key players at the decisive stage.