Liverpool star hints at huge injury boost after Brighton win

Liverpool star hints at huge injury boost after Brighton winFlorian Wirtz Injury Update Boosts Liverpool After Brighton WinLiverpool emerged from their 2-0 home victory over Brighton with three points, a first Premier League win at Anfield for Andoni Iraola, and an encouraging early indication on Florian Wirtz’s fitness.The Germany international was one of the stand-out performers before being withdrawn in the 65th minute after appearing to jar his ankle in a challenge. Concern inside Anfield was understandable given Liverpool’s upcoming schedule, but Wirtz moved quickly to calm the immediate anxiety. “I think it should be alright. It’s not too bad. I don’t know much yet, we have to check it, but it won’t be long.”That brief update will be received positively ahead of meetings with Chelsea in the EFL Cup and Arsenal in the Premier League. Liverpool can ill afford to lose a player who is beginning to exert growing influence in the final third.Photo: IMAGOWirtz performance offers fresh encouragementAlthough the opening goal went down as a Pascal Gross own goal, Wirtz was central to the moment, his effort taking a decisive deflection on its way in. He then continued to knit attacks together with intelligence and urgency, repeatedly finding spaces between Brighton’s lines and linking effectively with Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola.There were periods earlier in the campaign when scrutiny around Wirtz intensified and his adaptation was questioned in strong terms. Those doubts have not disappeared entirely, but recent signs are promising. He now has two assists and a goal across his last four appearances, and the wider level of his play has arguably been even more significant than the numbers alone.Liverpool have looked sharper when he receives possession in advanced areas. His movement, awareness and timing have given the attack more structure, and there is a sense that his understanding with team-mates is developing week by week.Andoni Iraola gets Anfield rewardFor Iraola, this was an important step. Liverpool’s start to 2026-27 has contained enough encouragement without fully removing all questions, but a home league win against capable opposition strengthens the early work being done by the new head coach.The result leaves Liverpool fourth in the table with 15 points from eight matches, six behind leaders Manchester City and also trailing Arsenal by the same margin. That gap is notable, yet the broader picture is more stable than the raw league position may suggest.Iraola has now won eight of his first 12 matches in charge, drawing three and losing only once. The only defeat came against Manchester City, in a contest shaped heavily by Liverpool playing the final half-hour with 10 men while the score was 0-0.Liverpool progress taking shapeIt remains too soon to define Liverpool as title challengers, but there is clear evidence of improvement after the sharp drop-off of last season. The structure looks firmer, the forward line more connected, and players such as Wirtz are beginning to offer exactly the kind of quality the club expected.If his ankle issue proves minor, Liverpool will feel they have momentum, and a player increasingly ready to make a major impact.