Key Takeaways:
- Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong reported to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre today ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against West Ham United
- Wirtz was a late withdrawal due to a back issue prior to last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, but hints at a rapid recovery
- Frimpong has been out since late January with a groin injury, with Arne Slot expressing hope for a full reintegration next week
Injury Concerns Ease Ahead of West Ham Clash
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received a significant boost on the injury front as both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong reported for duty at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday morning. Their return to training comes just in time for an important Premier League showdown against West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.
Slot, who gained a reputation for keeping his squad healthy prior to his move to Anfield, has not been immune to the demands of English football. This latest bit of positive news is highly welcome, especially given Liverpool’s visible lack of inspiration without their chief playmaker, Wirtz, in last weekend’s narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong are back in training! pic.twitter.com/2A17LTKHFv
— Samuel (@SamueILFC) February 26, 2026
Wirtz’ Impact and Recovery Timeline
Florian Wirtz, swiftly recognised as Liverpool’s principal creative presence, has played a key role since a challenging start in England. The German international was named the club’s Player of the Month for January, after scoring five of his six goals for the club during that period. However, Wirtz was forced to withdraw moments before kick-off at Nottingham Forest because of a back issue.
Arne Slot commented post-match: “He felt his back in the warm-up,” adding, “We don’t think it’s serious. He wasn’t able to be 100% or close enough to it to start.” Wirtz missed Monday’s recovery session, but has since been active on social media, hinting at an imminent return with a sauna selfie accompanied by battery charge and handshake emojis. Slot reiterated the uncertain but positive prognosis: “We hope and expect that he will be able to be with us again next week, but yeah, you never know how things work out.”
Frimpong’s Absence and Prospective Return
Jeremie Frimpong’s training ground resurgence is another welcome sight for Liverpool. The Dutch international has been out of action since sustaining a groin injury during the European fixture against Qarabag at the end of January. Frimpong’s absence has prompted tactical reshuffles, depriving Liverpool of his trademark energetic overlapping runs on the right flank.
Slot provided an update last week: “Jeremie will not be involved this weekend yet. We hope he will be involved next week if things go as planned.” While Saturday’s match with West Ham may come too soon for a starting place for Frimpong, his presence at the training ground signals a step in the right direction for Liverpool’s squad fitness.
Awaiting Friday’s Press Conference
The final status of both players ahead of the West Ham fixture will likely become clearer after Arne Slot’s press conference, scheduled for 9:00 AM (UK time) on Friday. After struggling creatively without Wirtz, Liverpool supporters and analysts alike will be keen to see if the side can regain attacking fluency with their key personnel edging closer to full fitness.
