Just in: Why Florian Wirtz isn’t in Liverpool matchday squad to face Chelsea…

Breaking news: The reason Florian Wirtz is absent from Liverpool’s matchday squad against Chelsea

Florian Wirtz is a significant omission from the Liverpool matchday squad set to face Chelsea at Anfield this Saturday afternoon.

Arne Slot has implemented three changes to his starting lineup following the loss to Manchester United last weekend, with the German player being one of those replaced as Rio Ngumoha takes over his position on the left wing.

The head coach of the Reds mentioned in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the 23-year-old had been ‘a bit unwell’ throughout the week but had trained with the team two days ago; however, it seems that his condition has worsened again.

What is the reason for Wirtz’s absence against Chelsea?

Shortly after the line-ups were revealed 75 minutes before kick-off, BBC Sport provided an update regarding Wirtz’s absence from the match against Chelsea this afternoon.

They reported: ‘The information from Anfield indicates that Florian Wirtz is not participating for Liverpool today due to a stomach bug.’

It is hoped that Liverpool can perform well despite Wirtz’s absence.

It appeared that the Reds’ number 7 had recovered from his earlier illness and would be available for today’s match, but unfortunately, that is not the case. His absence, alongside Mo Salah and Hugo Ekitike, will be keenly felt in the attacking third.

On a positive note, Alexander Isak is fit enough to be named among the substitutes, providing Slot with more options than he had at Old Trafford six days ago, and Ngumoha’s inclusion in the starting XI is likely to be welcomed by the fanbase.

Although Wirtz had a lackluster and heavily criticized performance against Manchester United last weekend, he remains a significant loss for the home team at Anfield this afternoon, and the starting forwards will need to rise to the occasion and make up for his absence.

Chelsea is significantly lacking in attacking options today, as Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, and Jamie Gittens are all unavailable (BBC Sport). Both teams are feeling the impact of numerous injuries.

We can only hope that the players representing Liverpool today can create another home win and that the absence of the German playmaker does not cause too much disruption.