Axel Disasi licking his lips after Arne Slot team news update for Liverpool vs West Ham
Axel Disasi and the rest of West Ham’s defence will be licking their lips after some big team news provided by Arne Slot.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash at Anfield, Slot confirmed that German midfielder Florian Wirtz will be absent due to continuing back struggles.
Wirtz missed Liverpool’s last outing against West Ham’s relegation rivals Nottingham Forest, just as he had been beginning to really find form for the Premier League champions.
Slot confirmed at Friday’s pre-match press conference that Wirtz is still not fit enough to return from his back injury.
The Hammers fell to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool at the London Stadium back in November, but they have been given a big boost ahead of their trip to Anfield this weekend.
Florian Wirtz absence comes at right time for West Ham
Joining West Ham on loan from Chelsea in January, Disasi has been fantastic for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who continue to look more and more solid each week.
Across their last four, the Hammers have kept three clean sheets, with Benjamin Sesko’s fantastic equaliser for Manchester United being the only goal conceded.
Looking to get back to winning ways after a 0-0 draw with Bournemouth last time out, West Ham will trust their newfound defensive solidity, especially with Liverpool’s star man of late confirmed absent.
Joining the club for an initial British record fee last summer, Wirtz struggled numbers wise in the season’s opening months, though his quality was always evident.
Now adding contributions with four Premier League goals and two assists, the young German has been central to everything positive about Liverpool since the turn of the year.
Florian Wirtz 2025-26 stats:
- Successful passes – 941 (84.2 per cent)
- Chances created – 44
- Touches – 1,480
- Successful dribbles – 34 (56.7 per cent)
An all-action creator, Wirtz has proven vital for Liverpool, and West Ham’s already strong defence have been handed a huge boost as they travel to Anfield.
- Read more: West Ham already aware if Axel Disasi permanent deal possible amid ‘significant’ Chelsea update
Why Anfield win would change everything for West Ham
Heading into the weekend, the Hammers still find themselves in the relegation zone, though form has changed drastically since the beginning 2026.
Relegation rivals Nottingham Forest travel to Brighton on Sunday as they look for a resurgence under Vitor Pereira, but an away win at the Amex is far from guaranteed.
If West Ham were to get something from Liverpool, they would be in great stead ahead of their subsequent clash with Fulham – where the Hammers ideally need to capitalise.
West Ham have 11 Premier League matches to secure safety, and it is reaching the point of the season where there can be no excuse based on the opposition in front of you.
Nuno’s side need points fast. He has already masterminded a 3-0 win at Anfield with his Nottingham Forest side last season, and with the big boost handed to them going into the weekend, Hammers fans might be able to sniff an upset.
For more expert analysis on West Ham United, check out Football Insider for the latest updates.