Why Is Florian Wirtz Not Playing Today for Liverpool vs Chelsea?

Liverpool have a home game against Chelsea today in the Premier League, which could be crucial for their qualification for Champions League football next season.

Liverpool is 4th with 58 points and is six points ahead of 6th-place Bournemouth in the Premier League table. There are three league games left this season, and a win today could secure Champions League football.

For the match against Chelsea, Liverpool has some returning players from injury, like Giorgi Mamardashvili back in the lineup and Alexander Isak back on the bench.

A player who is not in the squad is Florian Wirtz, who has been starting for the Reds over the past number of games. Wirtz played last weekend against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The German midfielder's exclusion from the squad surprised many as he played the full match against Manchester United last week.

Arne Slot on Florian Wirtz's Absence

Ahead of the Chelsea match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Florian Wirtz did not feel well but trained ahead of the match during the week.

When discussing injuries and players out of the squad, Slot said, "Florian (Wirtz) was a bit unwell, but trained yesterday."

The German attacking midfielder is not injured and remains ill. His replacement in the lineup is Rio Ngumoha, who starts as the left winger. Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Fimpong are also part of the front three against Chelsea.

The Reds to take on Chelsea #LIVCHE

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 9, 2026

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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 3:44 AM.