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The Liverpool playmaker missed last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea due to illness.

Florian Wirtz is in a race against time to recover in order to be fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Friday evening.

The Reds make the trip to Villa Park for an 8 pm kick-off, with fourth-placed Liverpool taking on fifth-placed Aston Villa in what could be a decisive encounter in the race for Champions League qualification.

A win for either side will confirm a top-five finish and secure Champions League football next season. Manager Arne Slot will be eager to have one of his key attacking players back in contention for such an important match.

Wirtz was forced to miss Liverpool’s draw with Chelsea last weekend after being struck down by stomach issues in the days leading up to the game.

According to Slot, the German international is now recovering well but will need to undergo a fitness assessment on the morning of the match to determine if he can take part against Villa.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “Stomach infection, so let’s see how fit he is for tomorrow. He’s on antibiotics. Let’s see if he’s ready to play tomorrow.”

Since joining Liverpool in a high-profile transfer last summer, Wirtz endured a slow start, waiting several months for his first goal or assist. However, his form has improved markedly since opening his account against Wolves just after Christmas.

The creative midfielder has gone on to score six more goals across all competitions and has occasionally been deployed as a false nine amid injuries to the team’s centre-forwards.

Slot also provided an update on Ibrahima Konate, confirming that the defender is fine after being substituted with a knock during the Chelsea game last weekend.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah could make a brief appearance at Villa Park, with Slot suggesting the Egyptian forward may only be available for “a few minutes”. That scenario could pave the way for Salah to feature more prominently on the final day of the season when Liverpool host Brentford at Anfield — potentially his last outing for the club.

Goalkeeper Alisson is also nearing a return after two months out with a hamstring injury, though Friday’s fixture might come slightly too soon for the Brazilian.

A victory for Liverpool would effectively secure fourth place, given their superior goal difference over Villa. However, anything less could open the door for Bournemouth or even Brighton to challenge on the final day.