Florian Wirtz
February 2026
Florian Wirtz
February 2026
Florian Wirtz was pulled from Liverpool’s starting XI during warm-ups due to a back issue, but Arne Slot said it does not look serious and hopes he returns next week. Wirtz felt his back “too much” to be close to full fitness, so Slot replaced him with Curtis Jones. Liverpool still won 1-0 through Mac Allister’s 96th-minute goal, and Slot stressed that in the Premier League you must be at 100 percent to play, even if you are elite on the ball.
Arne Slot
February 2026
Arne Slot responded to Wayne Rooney’s claim that he lacks “aura,” arguing that trophies create perception and pointing out he has already won the league, while Liverpool now fight to secure Champions League qualification. Rooney questioned Slot’s presence after a drop-off in Liverpool’s second season, comparing the backdrop of Klopp’s reign. Slot countered that managers are different, Klopp clearly had aura, and winning increases it.
Dominik Szoboszlai
February 2026
irgil van Dijk said Dominik Szoboszlai could develop into a leadership figure capable of captaining Liverpool, with the midfielder’s form and versatility standing out during an inconsistent season. Szoboszlai has reached 10 goals this season, scoring again in Liverpool’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Brighton, and has filled multiple roles including a stint at right-back. With uncertainty around Robertson’s long-term future, Van Dijk said Szoboszlai is “leading by example” but still has steps to make as a leader.
Alexis Mac Allister
February 2026
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as a potential summer target while building a wider midfield shortlist. Any deal would be difficult given his contract and the rarity of direct Liverpool-United transfers. Reports frame United’s interest as contingent on availability. Mac Allister remains a regular starter but has had a quieter season after a serious groin issue last year. United are also linked with Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as alternative options.
Wataru Endo
February 2026
Endo suffered what Slot called a “serious” injury and is expected to be out “quite a long time,” adding to Liverpool’s injury problems this season. Playing at right-back, Endo blocked a shot and landed awkwardly on his ankle/foot, tried to continue, then went down again and was stretchered off after lengthy treatment. Slot said the outlook “doesn’t look good” and Liverpool will confirm severity after tests.
Jérémy Jacquet
January 2026
Jeremy Jacquet suffered a left shoulder injury and may need surgery, putting the remainder of his 2025-26 season at risk before his planned summer move to Liverpool. Jacquet left Rennes’ 3-1 loss to Lens in significant discomfort. Reporting claims an operation could be required, and Rennes coach Habib Beye described the outlook as serious, with Jacquet set for weeks out at minimum and potentially missing the rest of the campaign through rehabilitation.
Cole Palmer
January 2026
Elliott’s loan at Villa cannot be terminated early because Liverpool would not waive the required termination fee and Villa would not pay it, leaving him unable to return and effectively sidelined. The loan reportedly lacks a standard unilateral recall clause; ending it required Villa to pay a cancellation fee. With no compromise, Elliott remains at a club where he is not being used, reportedly to avoid triggering a mandatory £35m clause.
Erling Haaland
January 2026
Erling Haaland criticised the late VAR decision that disallowed Rayan Cherki’s stoppage-time goal at Anfield and instead sent off Dominik Szoboszlai, arguing officials should have allowed the goal rather than issuing a three-match ban. With Liverpool pushing forward, Cherki released Haaland through on goal. Szoboszlai pulled Haaland back, Haaland then pulled Szoboszlai as the ball trickled in. VAR ruled the goal out for Haaland’s foul and dismissed Szoboszlai for denying a clear chance earlier in the move. Haaland said he felt bad for Szoboszlai and preferred the goal to stand.
