Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFlorian Wirtz faces a race to be well enough fast enough to face Aston Villa in Friday evening's Premier League encounter.Liverpool visit Villa Park for an 8pm kick-off as fourth take on fifth in the Premier League.A victory for either side would confirm a top five finish and a place in the Champions League for next season - and Arne Slot will be keen to have one of his most important players back fit and available. You may like Is Florian Wirtz injured? Liverpool injury latest as midfielder doubt raised Is Mohamed Salah injured this weekend? Liverpool superstar fitness latest Is Mohamed Salah injured this weekend? Liverpool forward fitness latest Florian Wirtz illness update ahead of Aston Villa vs LiverpoolFourFourTwo's essential 2026 World Cup pack!Get your hands on the newest issue of FourFourTwo - our ultimate World Cup pack! Featuring: Englands American dream, Jordan Pickford and Morgan Rogers, Scotlands return, Mauricio Pochettino Q&A, biggest upsets plus a huge wallchart and preview special!View DealWirtz was ruled out of Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend due to illness after suffering from stomach problems in the build-up to the game.The Germany international seems to be on the mend, according to Slot, but will still need to be assessed on the morning of the game to see whether he can play a part against Aston Villa.Slot said at his pre-match press conference: "Stomach infection, so lets see how fit he is for tomorrow."Hes on antibiotics. Lets see if hes ready to play tomorrow."Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Wirtz had a frustrating wait for his first goal or assist after joining the Reds in a big-money move last summer, but has hit on a reasonable run of form since finally getting his first goal against Wolves just after Christmas.The playmaker has added a further six goals in all competitions since then, and has had to fill in as a false nine on occasion due to injuries at centre-forward.Slot has also indicated that Ibrahima Konate is fine after going off injured against Chelsea last weekend.Mohamed Salah could get a cameo at Villa Park, but Slot has suggested that he will be available for 'only a few minutes'. That would set up the Egyptian to play his last game for the club on the final day of the season, when Liverpool are at home to Brentford.Goalkeeper Alisson is also closing in on a comeback from a two-month lay-off with a hamstring injury, though the Villa game may come slightly too soon.Victory for Liverpool on Friday would all but guarantee them fourth place thanks to their big goal difference advantage over Villa, while anything less could leave them looking over their shoulders at Bournemouth and potentially Brighton on the final day.TOPICSLiverpoolSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
