Liverpool's Wirtz out injured with no return date, Slot says

Feb 27 : Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz will miss their match against West Ham United on Saturday and manager Arne Slot said he had no idea when the Germany international would be fit to return.

Wirtz suffered a back injury while warming up ahead of last weekend's clash at Nottingham Forest and Slot told a press conference on Friday that the 22-year-old's absence was a blow to his side as they look to continue their positive recent form.

Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in June, as the English club shattered their transfer record by shelling out 100 million pounds ($134.64 million) for the German, with a further 16 million pounds in potential add-ons.

After a slow start, Wirtz had found form before his injury, scoring six goals and providing seven assists for Liverpool this season, becoming Slot's preferred choice in the 'number-10 role' behind the striker.

“No, at this moment of time, no," Slot told reporters when asked if he had a timeframe in mind for Wirtz's return.

"And usually when I say that I do know that but I don’t want to share it. But now I honestly don’t know. It’s definitely a shame... indeed a disappointment for him, but also for us because he played really, really well lately."

In better news for the club, Liverpool may welcome back right back Jeremie Frimpong after a month out due to a hamstring injury, Slot said.

GOALS HAVE BEEN HARDER TO COME BY, SAYS SLOT

Slot said his players needed to focus solely on their own performances rather than look at other teams, as they jostle with Manchester United and Chelsea in the battle for Champions League qualification places.

Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League after 27 matches, level on 45 points with fifth-placed Chelsea and three adrift of