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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. 
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Read the latest information on injuries, suspensions and availability in the Liverpool men’s squad.
Injuries
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike was unavailable for the clash with Fulham because of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). Arne Slot was asked whether he will be fit for the game at Arsenal on January 8.
Slot on January 7: “He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can today.
“I’ve said, I think, two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra.”
Wataru Endo
The midfielder has been out of action with an ankle injury since appearing in the 3-3 draw at Leeds United on December 6.
Alexander Isak
Isak is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture on December 22.
He sustained the issue while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur two days prior.
Slot on December 23: “It’s going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That’s a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that of course also for us.”
Slot did also confirm he is confident Isak will be able to play again during the 2025-26 season.
Giovanni Leoni
The defender is amid a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Slot on September 26: “He is not in a good place, of course, because he tore his ACL and it means he will be out for a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game… it’s very hard to take the positive side.
“There’s never a positive side – but you always try to look at a positive side and that is that he is still so young, so he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”
Availability
Mohamed Salah
After featuring off the bench versus Brighton on December 13, the forward is now with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah scored in the group games against Zimbabwe and South Africa to help his country reach the last 16. They are next in action on January 5.
Suspensions
Conor Bradley
Bradley is one yellow card away from receiving a one-match suspension in the Champions League.
The Reds travel to Marseille on January 21 for matchday seven of the league phase and then host Qarabag a week later.
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