It was a dramatic afternoon at The City Ground as Liverpool faced Nottingham Forest in a Premier League clash that delivered more than its fair share of surprises. The Reds, riding a wave of momentum after their recent win over Sunderland, arrived in Nottingham with high hopes of climbing further up the table. Sitting sixth before kickoff, Liverpool was eager to notch up a second consecutive league victory and keep pace with the teams above them.
However, just moments before kickoff, Liverpool’s carefully laid plans were thrown into disarray. Florian Wirtz, the German international who has rapidly become a linchpin in Arne Slot’s attacking setup, suffered a back injury during the warm-up. Wirtz, originally named in the starting XI, was seen in animated discussion with the coaching staff on the pitch. After shaking his head and walking away down the tunnel, it became clear to all in attendance that something was amiss. Shortly thereafter, the decision was made: Wirtz was out of the squad, replaced by Curtis Jones in the attacking midfield role.
Curtis Jones, who had been relegated to the bench despite a standout performance against Brighton in the FA Cup last weekend, was handed a late call-up. Jones’ versatility has been a boon for Liverpool this season—just a week prior, he filled in at right-back, but here he slotted into the midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai dropping into defense.
The unexpected reshuffle was not the only challenge facing Arne Slot’s side. Liverpool was already contending with a growing injury list. Five first-team players missed the trip to Nottingham, including Jeremie Frimpong, who is closest to a return and could feature as soon as next weekend against West Ham. Alexander Isak, another key figure, continues his recovery and is expected back by late March or early April. Wataru Endo might also return before the season’s end, but Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have both been ruled out until next campaign due to knee injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Liverpool’s resolve shone through. As the match unfolded, Wirtz was spotted behind the Liverpool dugout, watching intently. His presence served as a reminder of what the team was missing—especially given his recent form. Wirtz has tallied 11 goal involvements in his last 18 games across all competitions, a testament to his growing influence in the side after a slow start to the season.
Manager Arne Slot addressed the situation in his post-match press conference following Liverpool’s dramatic 1-0 victory. "We don't think it is very serious, but he felt his back too much during the warm-up to start. He wasn't able to be 100 per cent or even close to 100 per cent. I think after being in this league for six, seven or eight months, he now understands no matter how good you are on the ball, you need to be 100 per cent at this level. So, we decided not to play him. We hope and expect he will be able to be with us again next week but you never know how things work out," Slot explained, offering a glimmer of hope to anxious Liverpool supporters.
The absence of Wirtz was keenly felt, not just by the coaching staff but also by those who have watched Liverpool’s attacking play blossom in recent weeks. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, didn’t mince words: "It’s a big blow. The last few months, he’s been the one knitting everything together. When you bring Curtis Jones in, he’s a central midfield player. [Wirtz] is a No 10 between the lines, so Liverpool are definitely going to miss a player in there." Carragher’s analysis captured the sentiment among fans and pundits alike—Wirtz’s creativity and ability to operate in tight spaces have been vital to Liverpool’s resurgence.
The reshuffled lineup, however, rose to the occasion. Curtis Jones, thrust into action at the eleventh hour, demonstrated his adaptability and composure under pressure. Alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, Jones helped anchor Liverpool’s midfield, while Hugo Ekitike, another recall from the Brighton match, added fresh legs up front. Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, made way to accommodate the changes.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s shift to right-back was another tactical wrinkle that paid dividends. The Hungarian international, more accustomed to a midfield role, showcased his defensive mettle and positional awareness, helping to keep Nottingham Forest’s wide threats in check. Szoboszlai’s willingness to adapt for the good of the team did not go unnoticed by the traveling Liverpool faithful.
As the match wore on, Liverpool’s resilience was tested by a determined Nottingham Forest side fighting to climb out of the lower reaches of the table. The home crowd sensed an opportunity, especially with Liverpool’s makeshift lineup and injury woes. But the Reds held firm, with their defensive line—bolstered by Szoboszlai’s presence—standing tall. In the end, Liverpool’s persistence paid off, and they secured a gritty 1-0 win that drew them level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Beyond the immediate result, the bigger question looming over Liverpool is the fitness of Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker’s injury is not believed to be serious, but as Arne Slot cautioned, "you never know how things work out." With crucial fixtures ahead and the race for European places intensifying, Liverpool can ill afford to lose one of their most influential players for an extended period.
The club’s new kit partnership with adidas, rolled out for the 2025/26 season, has generated excitement among fans, with home and away strips already proving popular in the US and worldwide. But it’s on the pitch where Liverpool’s fortunes will ultimately be decided—and the coming weeks will test the depth and character of Arne Slot’s squad.
For now, Liverpool supporters can savor a hard-fought victory on the road, earned in the face of adversity. As the dust settles, all eyes turn to the medical team for updates on Wirtz and the rest of the walking wounded. With Jeremie Frimpong potentially returning soon and Alexander Isak’s comeback on the horizon, there’s cautious optimism at Anfield. But as the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, every twist and turn could prove crucial.
At The City Ground, Liverpool proved that even when plans are upended and key players are sidelined, this team still has the grit—and the guts—to grind out results. The race for the top four is wide open, and with a bit of luck on the injury front, Liverpool’s ambitions remain very much alive.