Featured
The new players that have come in, they aren’t ready to play for Liverpool”… more
BREAKING: “He’s made his choice… and it’s NOT what Liverpool fans expected.” After weeks of silence and growing tension, Florian Wirtz has finally decided his Liverpool fate — and it’s not what anyone expected. The £116M prodigy, once dubbed the future of the Reds, has taken a step that could completely reshape Arne Slot’s plans.  Whispers inside the dressing room suggest this decision has already divided players — and fans are bracing for impact
Inside Florian Wirtz’s Bold Stand: The Decision That’s Rocked Liverpool and Split the Fanbase
Liverpool’s record-breaking £116 million man, Florian Wirtz, has finally made up his mind about his future — and his decision has sent shockwaves through Anfield. According to reports from inside the club, the 22-year-old German midfielder has revealed his stance to teammates after weeks of speculation, criticism, and mounting frustration.
It’s a choice that no one saw coming — and one that could reshape Arne Slot’s tactical blueprint moving forward.
From Bundesliga Brilliance to Premier League Pressure
When Wirtz swapped Bayer Leverkusen for Liverpool last summer, expectations were sky-high. Billed as the creative genius who would restore the flair and unpredictability once embodied by Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mané, he arrived as a symbol of the club’s ambition in the post-Klopp era.
But reality has been far less glamorous. His debut season has been marked by inconsistency, tactical confusion, and constant comparisons to past greats. While he’s produced flashes of brilliance — slick dribbles, visionary passes, and moments of genius — he’s struggled to maintain rhythm in England’s fast-paced, physical league.
Fans have debated whether Wirtz has truly been given the right platform to succeed. Critics say he’s too lightweight for the Premier League. Supporters counter that Slot’s system doesn’t play to his strengths.
The Moment of Truth — Wirtz Speaks Out
According to club insiders, Wirtz has now addressed his future in private — and his message shocked the dressing room. Despite mounting rumors of a January exit, the German star has no plans to walk away.
He’s staying at Liverpool.
But there’s a catch.
Wirtz has reportedly told senior figures and teammates that he intends to fight for his place — on his own terms. He’s determined to prove his worth but has demanded tactical clarity from manager Arne Slot. Sources claim Wirtz believes his best position is centrally, behind the striker, not isolated on the wing where he often fades from games.
The midfielder allegedly feels that being pushed wide has limited his creativity and reduced his impact — a situation that’s frustrated both him and his inner circle.
If Slot listens, it could mean a major reshuffle of Liverpool’s attack. Moving Wirtz into a central role would force the manager to rethink how he deploys Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitike, potentially changing the team’s entire offensive dynamic.
The Stakes for Arne Slot and Liverpool’s Season
The “Wirtz Decision” could prove pivotal for Liverpool’s campaign. Slot now faces a delicate balancing act — keeping harmony in a squad full of stars while also getting the best from his most expensive signing.
If he unlocks Wirtz’s full potential, the reward could be enormous: the return of a creative spark Liverpool has missed since their peak years under Klopp. But if the tactical disconnect continues, the narrative could quickly shift to another high-profile misfire — and fans are already restless.
For now, Wirtz’s stance has earned him both praise and skepticism. Some admire his determination and accountability; others see it as arrogance from a player still adapting to the league.
Liverpool insiders describe Wirtz as “laser-focused” and “quietly defiant,” ready to silence critics and justify his record fee. The next few months could define not only his career but also Arne Slot’s early reign at Anfield.
Is this the start of Wirtz’s redemption arc — or the beginning of another chapter in Liverpool’s midfield saga?
One thing’s clear: Florian Wirtz has made his move. And at Anfield, everyone is waiting to see what happens next. 
Mikel Arteta could start 16-year-old in third-ro
Arsenal are expected to rotate when they travel to take on Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
It is the first of four away games in four competitions in the space of nine days and Mikel Arteta is set to make use of the strong squad available to him.
Why Oxford Street is so much more than a shopping destination
That could mean a first start for Eberechi Eze since the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace last month, while Noni Madueke is also in contention to come into the side.
Arsenal hope to have Kai Havertz in the squad but he is not believed to be ready to start, so Gabriel Jesus will likely lead the line unless Arteta opts to keep trying to play Viktor Gyokeres into form.
The Gunners will again be without Riccardo Calafiori, with Arteta confirming that this match will be “too early” for him.
Piero Hincapie is also a major doubt, having gone off against Liverpool with a suspected hamstring injury. He was due to undergo scans on Friday.
“We have to see the extent of what happened to Piero,” Arteta said.
“He could not carry on in the second half, so I don’t know exactly what it is.”
That leaves Myles Lewis-Skelly as the obvious starter at left-back and there could be an opportunity for 16-year-old Marli Salmon if Arteta decides to rest one of Gabriel or William Saliba.
Kepa will start in goal, as he has been doing in the Carabao Cup, and the likes of Christian Norgaard and Mikel Merino are options in midfield.
Ethan Nwaneri will hope for some minutes, even off the bench. He has not featured since the win over Club Brugge a month ago.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Kepa; White, Saliba, Salmon, Lewis-Skelly; Norgaard, Merino, Eze; Madueke, Jesus, Martinelli
Injured: Calafiori, Mosquera, Dowman
Doubts: Hincapie, Havertz
Time and date: 2pm GMT on Sunday, January 11, 2026
How to watch: TNT Sports
Venue: Fratton Park
Featured
Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Portsmouth: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera latest
Arsenal will begin their bid to win the FA Cup for the 15th time in their history when they travel to Fratton Park for Sunday’s meeting with Championship strugglers Portsmouth.
The Gunners missed the chance to further extend their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table in Thursday’s underwhelming goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
While their five-game winning league run came to an end, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the fact that his side are now unbeaten in seven competitive matches ahead of Sunday’s cup tie and Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Portsmouth, who are languishing in 21st spot in the Championship standings.
Piero Hincapie
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 11 (vs. Portsmouth)
Hincapie was forced off with what appeared to be a muscle problem in the 57th minute of Thursday’s draw with Liverpool. Arteta now faces a nervous wait to discover the full extent of the defender’s injury.
Kai Havertz
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Match fitness
Possible return date: January 11 (vs. Portsmouth)
Havertz has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of action for months. However, he has been left out of Arsenal’s last two matchday squads as he continues to build up his fitness. There is a possibility that the forward could make his first appearance since August in Sunday’s FA Cup clash.
Riccardo Calafiori
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Chelsea)
Calafiori has sat out Arsenal’s last four matches with a muscle injury. The defender is making progress in his recovery, but he is not expected to be ready for the upcoming trip to the south coast.
Cristhian Mosquera
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Chelsea)
Like Calafiori, Mosquera is closing in on a return to action after missing over a month of action due to an ankle injury. However, the former Valencia defender will not be available for selection this weekend.
Max Dowman
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown
Max Dowman is likely to be out until February after sustaining an ankle problem while playing for Arsenal Under-21s in last month’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.
ARSENAL’S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for the third-round tie.
Featured
Full confirmed list of Arsenal ins and outs in January transfer window as first deal announced
Arsenal transfer ins and outs as Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta get to work in the January window
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal remain in the driving seat to clinch the Premier League title crown this season – and they could strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad to bolster their chances.
Phillip Schofield’s latest replacement revealed as Holly Willoughby gets new co-host
Whether or not the right players are out there remains to be seen, but with Arteta enduring several injury blows already this season – particularly in defence – the manager will be keeping a close eye on potential targets.
The Gunners splashed the cash in the summer, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera to the Emirates Stadium – so a loan deal might favour the club
Gabriel Martinelli ban and fine verdicts as FA make punishment decision on Arsenal ace
There could also be high-profile exits, both loans and permanent deals, with young midfield talent Ethan Nwaneri linked with an exit. Other youngsters could also make loan moves to get a taste of first-team football.
With that said, football.london takes a closer look at all the moves completed by Arsenal so far this January.
-
Featured3 months agoVAR AND REFEREE ERROR Why Manchester United goal stood despite head injury to Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister
-
ARSENAL'3 months agoArsenal’s next five fixtures compared to Liverpool and Man City after Crystal Palace win
-
Liverpool3 months agoPremier League explains two controversial Liverpool penalty decisions as referee replaced
-
ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE2 months agoGabriel Jesus training footage sends clear message to Mikel Arteta ahead of Tottenham clash
-
Featured2 months agocentre-backs available THIS SUMMER for Liverpool FC
-
Arsenal predicted XI3 months agoFulham 0-1 Arsenal 69: NO PENALTY! Finally the decision is made. Anthony Taylor steps away from the screen and announces that Kevin played the ball. It seemed pretty clear but it took an age to get there.
-
Liverpool3 months agoGOAL! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool | Kerkez ’45+5
-
Arsenal predicted XI3 months agoFormer Arsenal star training with first-team ahead of Atletico Madrid