Injury shock: Florian Wirtz doubts after Liverpool victory

Jan reported that after a bumpy start to the season, the 23‑year‑old DFB‑midfielder Florian Wirtz scored a goal in Liverpool's 2‑0 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion, which was however recorded as an own goal by Pascal Groß. Shortly afterwards he twisted his ankle after a foul by Yasin Ayari and had to be substituted.

The DFB‑midfielder had only a few appearances at the start of the season and still seemed uncertain, but in the recent games he showed increasing presence in midfield and significantly influenced the tempo of play.

Successful game despite own goal

In the top match against the Seagulls, Wirtz forced the opening goal, but the decision went in favor of the opposition because Pascal Groß recorded the goal as an own goal. Wirtz recalled a similar debut goal in December 2025 against Sunderland, which was also counted as an own goal. “We’ve seen that before last season, it was similar,” he told Sky.

Injury analysis and outlook

After about an hour of play the DFB‑star twisted up after a foul by Yasin Ayari and had to leave the field only a few minutes later. Coach Andoni Iraola calmed the situation and explained: “He slightly twisted his ankle. It doesn’t look like anything serious, but we play every three days.”

The medical department immediately performed an ultrasound scan to rule out possible ligament injuries.

Wirtz added in the Sky interview: “We haven’t done any checks yet. I think it’s not too serious. I’ve been twisting my ankle here and there in recent weeks, I need to get a handle on that.”

Most signs point to the number ten being fit to play again soon. Nevertheless, he could be rested for the EFL Cup round of 16 against FC Chelsea on Wednesday at 9 pm.

An even more important match is coming up on Sunday, when league‑leading Arsenal visit Anfield as guests. Wirtz is expected to be available then, provided his recovery proceeds as planned.