Arne Slot offers Florian Wirtz injury update as he addresses Liverpoo… — and more

Liverpool manager Arne Slot claimed that Florian Wirtz “could be available for a few minutes” during the FA Cup tie against Wolves on Friday, while suggesting that the Germany international is key to the team’s overall “balance”.

Wirtz has been out of the squad since picking up an injury in the warm-up ahead of the win over Nottingham Forest on 22 February, and the 22-year-old has missed three games in that time, including the 2-1 loss to Wolves in the league earlier this week.

However, he could feature against Wolves in the FA Cup fifth-round tie this week, in what would be a welcome boost to Liverpool’s attacking options.

“He trained half and half with the team yesterday. He made the next step in rehab. Let's see where he is today. He could be available for a few minutes tomorrow in the best scenario,” explained Slot, before adding that “everyone else [is] fine”.

The absence of Wirtz has coincided with Liverpool struggling in attack at times, and while the Reds did beat West Ham 5-2 over that spell, there are still questions over the attacking output and chance creation, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah coming under criticism for not offering enough from the wings.

And while Slot highlighted that “attacking isn't just down to Cody [Gakpo] and Mo [Salah],” the Dutchman did seem to admit that Wirtz is a key cog in his side’s attack.

“One of the players who creates is Florian Wirtz. He got injured three games ago. Before that the team had a certain balance and we've had to adjust again. That's happened a lot this season,” explained the Liverpool boss.

“Not all the games have improved in terms of creating chances. But we're not the only team that finds it hard to create from open play. It's the qualify of the league that makes it more complicated.

“We are not in terms of chance creation last in the league. We're not doing that bad. We're also the team with most ball possession so you'd expect us to create more.

“Cody and Mo we expect and they expect from themselves to score more. But attacking isn't just down to Cody and Mo,” he added.

Liverpool will book a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a win at Molineux, in what is the first of an important string of games that includes a Champions League last-16 tie against Galatasaray and a Premier League match against Tottenham at Anfield on 15 March.

Liverpool and Galatasaray Clash Framed by Uefa Fan Ban

Liverpool’s Champions League tie with Galatasaray has been overshadowed by a significant disciplinary decision, after Uefa confirmed a Fan Ban that will prevent the Turkish club’s supporters from attending the second leg at Anfield. The ruling adds fresh tension to a contest already rich in narrative, history and expectation.

European football’s governing body acted following crowd disturbances during Galatasaray’s previous round against Juventus. The incidents occurred in Turin on 25 February, when supporters were found to have thrown objects and lit fireworks during the last 16 play off tie second leg. Uefa responded with a firm sanction, banning the Super Lig leaders from selling tickets to their fans for the away trip to Liverpool and issuing a fine of 40,000 euros, £34,800.

For Liverpool, now under the assured leadership of Arne Slot after his Premier League triumph in 2024-25, the absence of travelling support will alter the atmosphere inside Anfield. European nights on Merseyside are famed for their intensity, yet the dynamic shifts when one end of the ground sits empty of visiting voices.

Photo IMAGO

Uefa Decision After Turin Disturbances

Uefa’s statement was unequivocal in its reasoning. Supporters of the Turkish club had thrown objects and lit fireworks during the fixture in Italy. Those actions prompted immediate scrutiny and, ultimately, decisive punishment.

Despite losing 3-2 on the night in Turin, Galatasaray progressed 7-5 on aggregate, sealing their place in the quarter final stage with a late extra time goal that underlined their attacking threat. Baris Yilmaz was central to that dramatic success, his intervention ensuring that Juventus were eliminated despite victory on the evening.

The governing body’s intervention reinforces its ongoing campaign to clamp down on crowd disorder in European competition. Financial penalties, though significant, often pale in comparison to the sporting impact of a travel ban, particularly for a club whose supporters are renowned for their fervour and presence on the continent.

Impact on Anfield Atmosphere and Liverpool Preparation

Liverpool will travel to Istanbul first, with the opening leg scheduled for next Tuesday at 17:45 GMT. The return at Anfield follows on 18 March at 20:00. While Galatasaray will enjoy full backing at home, the second leg will unfold without their travelling contingent.

For Slot and his squad, preparation remains focused on the technical and tactical demands of facing the Super Lig leaders. Yet elite managers understand the psychological components of European ties. Anfield’s crowd has long been a catalyst in pivotal moments, and a Fan Ban inevitably shapes the matchday environment.

Liverpool’s players will be mindful that Galatasaray have already demonstrated resilience and firepower in overcoming Juventus. A 7-5 aggregate triumph is evidence of both defensive vulnerability and attacking potency, qualities that demand respect.

Picture:IMAGO

Galatasaray Appeal and Champions League Stakes

In a statement, Galatasaray said they would appeal against the punishment. The club’s response indicates a belief that the sanction may yet be reduced or overturned, though appeals in such cases rarely produce immediate reversals.

The broader Champions League stakes remain considerable. Liverpool are intent on adding continental success to their recent domestic achievements, while Galatasaray view this campaign as an opportunity to reaffirm their European credentials.

The Fan Ban ensures that this tie will be discussed as much for events off the pitch as those on it. For Liverpool, the focus will be on control, composure and capitalising on home advantage. For Galatasaray, the challenge is twofold, to contest the footballing battle while navigating the consequences of Uefa’s disciplinary reach.

Serie A giants Inter Milan are reportedly looking to intensify talks with Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario in the coming weeks.

According to FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri are keen to sign the 29-year-old as a long-term replacement for Yann Sommer.

Furthermore, Inter had hoped to land the former Empoli shot-stopper in 2023, only for Spurs to swoop in and steal him away.

Inter Milan to Step Up talks for Guglielmo Vicario in March

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Vicario has reportedly grown frustrated with Tottenham’s disastrous results in the Premier League.

Indeed, Igor Tudor’s men are languishing in the division’s lower reaches, sitting just a point clear of 18th-placed West Ham United.

Therefore, the Italian goalkeeper could fancy a return to Serie A in the summer, with Inter eager to lure him to Milan.

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