Liverpool are expected to be without Florian Wirtz for their journey to Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday, with Arne Slot uncertain precisely when the German midfielder will return to action. Wirtz has been absent for the victories over Nottingham Forest and West Ham due to a minor back complaint. He was scheduled to feature at the City Ground, but withdrew at the eleventh hour after sustaining an issue in the warm-up.

Now, Slot acknowledges he cannot be definite about exactly when Wirtz will return, but no chances will be taken. Speaking in his post-match press conference after the West Ham fixture, the Reds manager suggested Tuesday would “probably” arrive too soon. “I think that will be too early,” Slot said. “I said last week I didn’t expect him not to be available today. Sometimes, with an injury, things can develop in a positive or a negative way.

“Now, we are thinking it doesn’t have to take too long but Tuesday will probably be too early. But the week after will be tight as things stand now. I thought he would be available for today as well, which didn’t happen, of course.”

Despite Wirtz’s absence, Liverpool netted five goals against West Ham, although their performance at Anfield didn’t appear entirely convincing. They required some effective set-pieces in the opening 45 minutes to establish a comfortable advantage.

Following Tuesday’s league encounter with Wolves, Liverpool will also meet the Midlands outfit on Friday in the FA Cup. They then face a break until the following Tuesday, when they tackle Galatasaray in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“Now that we spend some time together, things work out easier for us, and we understand each other,” Alexis Mac Allister said. “The last four or five months is when teams show what they can do. That’s what we want.

“We know how important it is to qualify for the Champions League for the club and us as a team. The goal is there and we are going to do everything to qualify and be closer to the teams on top.”

Liverpool allowed West Ham to find the net twice, yet re-established their three-goal cushion on each occasion.

“That was because in the attacking phase we were really good,” Mac Allister added. “We know we need to improve a couple of things, especially defensively because the gaps are too big for us.

“It is what it is, the good thing is that we won. The gap is smaller with Aston Villa and all the teams on top. We a really happy with the result and we need to keep improving.

“I really like [scoring goals]. I really like getting in the box. Sometimes it happens; sometimes it doesn’t. Happy because I can help the team and at the same time I can gain some confidence.”