Andoni Iraola could be without a big name when Liverpool face Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

Florian Wirtz has provided an injury update ahead of Liverpool's clash against Chelsea in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The 23-year-old midfielder could be unavailable for selection when the Reds welcome Xabi Alonso back to Anfield on Wednesday night, having recently suffered an ankle injury.

Wirtz was forced to come off during the second half of Sunday afternoon's 2-0 win over Brighton at Anfield. Shortly after the hour mark, the Germany international sustained a knock following a meaty challenge in the middle of the park and was replaced by Trey Nyoni.

In an interview with Sky Germany after the game, Wirtz, whose strike in the first half was later ruled an own goal by Pascal Gross, downplayed the severity of the injury. As quoted by Sport Witness, he said: "We haven’t done any tests yet, but I think it’s not too serious.

"I’ve been twisting my ankle a bit over the last few weeks. I need to get that sorted out somehow. Then I think I’ll be back for the next game."

Make sure you never miss the latest Chelsea news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.

When quizzed on the criticism he's faced in England, having fallen widely short of expectations following a club record £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in June 2025, Wirtz said: "I don’t pay any attention to it at all.

"I really couldn’t care less what anyone has to say about me. So, everyone is welcome to talk about me. I simply play football because I enjoy it. Of course, I want to be successful."

Speaking to reporters after the game, Andoni Iraola confirmed that Wirtz will undergo further assessment by the club's medical team. The Liverpool boss said: "Unfortunately, he had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle.

"It doesn't look very big, but we are playing every three days, so we need to see where he is."

On Wednesday night, Wirtz will finally reunite with Alonso. He made a name for himself as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders during his time under the Chelsea manager at Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz scored 38 goals and provided 43 assists in 119 appearances, while winning the Bundesliga unbeaten and the DFB Pokal. At Liverpool, though, Wirtz has failed to warrant his eye-watering price tag.

In his debut season under Arne Slot, the German featured 49 times across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists. He didn't find the net for the Reds until the end of December 2025, when he fired them to a 2-1 win over Wolves.

Wirtz hasn't shown much sign of improvement under Iraola, but perhaps he'll be keen to impress his former boss when Chelsea are in town...