Liverpool juggle fitness concerns ahead of Wolves double-header

The sides are due to meet twice at Molineux this week, starting with the league fixture, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed Wirtz is not yet ready to return from a back injury.

"The game tomorrow will probably come too soon and maybe the game at the weekend as well. Let's see how that ends up," Slot said at his pre-match press conference.

"But we hope to have him back somewhere next week. Maybe earlier. Maybe a bit later. But that timescale."

There was better news regarding Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman returned from a five-match absence to play 15 minutes in the 5-2 win over West Ham United at Anfield. His cross led to Axel Disasi's own goal, which completed the scoring.

Slot admitted managing Frimpong's minutes is now a key consideration, with three matches in seven days, including Galatasaray at home and an early kick-off at Brighton.

"Having Jeremie back is really nice but what you are saying does go through your mind," Slot said.

"Because of the fact we play three games in seven days. Those things you all have to take into account, especially with players who come back from injuries. But we also know the importance of every single game.

"I prefer to have this problem - to manage how many minutes I have to give him - than to see him with the medical staff doing his recovery."

Slot also pointed to Joe Gomez, who recently completed 75 minutes after a lengthy spell out, as another example of careful workload management.

"These are all the things which is our situation this season, and in the meantime I think the players handled that really well," he said.

Wolves, meanwhile, are in a strong position fitness-wise. Head coach Rob Edwards confirmed he has a fully fit squad available.

Hee Chan Hwang has recovered from a calf strain, Ladislav Krejci returns from suspension, and Andre, who limped off against Aston Villa, is also fit.

"We're fully fit, so it's great," Edwards said. "We've got a fully fit squad to be able to pick from - I doubt there's anyone that will have that at this stage of the season. That's a real positive."

After six games in 20 days during February, Edwards believes his side are ready again.

"It's been a tough month. But we've had enough time to recover and we're ready for this one," he said.

With Liverpool juggling injuries and Wolves at full strength, Tuesday night's contest promises to be a stern test for the visitors.

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