Arne Slot could have Florian Wirtz back for the FA Cup clash against Wolverhampton

Liverpool FC could be set to welcome back one of their most influential playmakers just in time for their upcoming FA Cup encounter. German midfielder Florian Wirtz has made significant strides in his recovery, and there is a strong possibility he will be included in the squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wirtz has been sidelined for the last three matches due to persistent back discomfort. The issue originally forced him out of the starting lineup during the clash against Nottingham Forest, leading the medical staff to halt his activity and follow a strict recovery protocol.

During his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot confirmed that the German international has resumed partial training with the first-team group.

The manager noted that Wirtz participated in several group dynamics during the latest session, marking a clear step forward compared to previous days. However, Slot emphasized that the player is still in a "controlled phase" of his rehabilitation.

"Wirtz played the role of the 'joker' during the session," Slot explained, referring to a neutral player role in drills that allows for integration without the physical demand of full-contact competition.

The coaching staff’s primary goal is to monitor his physical response in training before making a final decision on his matchday involvement.

While a return is imminent, Slot was clear that if Wirtz is called up, his role will be limited. The Dutch manager intends to have him on the bench with the goal of giving him a short cameo, depending on how the match unfolds. The club’s priority is to avoid a relapse and ensure the player regains his competitive rhythm at a safe pace.

This potential return comes at a crucial moment. Anfield has noticeably missed Wirtz’s creative spark in the final third recently—most notably during the match at Molineux, where Liverpool dominated possession but struggled to translate that control into clear-cut scoring opportunities.

Should Wirtz’s presence in the squad be confirmed, he would likely take the spot on the bench recently occupied by academy talent Kieran Morrison.

Despite this positive news, the Reds' treatment room remains crowded. Several key players are still "out of action," including:

Liverpool will look to secure their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, the oldest competition in English football. Having Wirtz back—even if only for a few minutes—would be a massive morale boost for a team desperate to rediscover its best attacking form.