Arne Slot set to get huge Florian Wirtz favor ahead of Man City game in FA Cup

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Florian Wirtz produced a remarkable performance on Friday as he scored two goals and assisted two more in a 4-3 win for Germany over Switzerland, and now it sounds as though he will be given a rest

Julian Nagelsmann hinted that Florian Wirtz could be rested against Ghana(Image: 2026 Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto)

Liverpool could be boosted for this weekend's FA Cup clash, with Florian Wirtz set to return from international duty well rested.

Wirtz produced a star performance last week as he was involved in all four of Germany's goals during a 4-3 win in a friendly away to Switzerland.

The Liverpool star scored two stunning goals and assisted two more, and Die Mannschaft's attention is now on Monday's friendly against Ghana in Stuttgart.

Ahead of the game, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann said that Wirtz is among the players that he intends to manage carefully due to the amount of minutes he has played recently.

“The game is viewed from a slightly different perspective," Nagelsmann said. "We need to rotate a bit to manage some players who are returning from injuries or are under a lot of strain.

"Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, and Florian Wirtz have had and continue to have many intense matches. I'm not completely blinded by my own ambitions and I'm not going to force it through at all costs. I also need the clubs."

After Wirtz's stunning performance in the win over Switzerland, Nagelsmann addressed the criticism that was aimed at Wirtz earlier in the campaign as he defended the player's sluggish start to life at Liverpool.

Wirtz joined Liverpool with huge expectations on his shoulders but started his Anfield career slowly, failing to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League until December.

The German's influence has slowly started to grow in recent months and he is now an important creative outlet for Arne Slot's team.

Wirtz scores against Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)

“That was a completely normal situation that affects a young player," Nagelsmann said. "He’s someone with emotions and first has to deal with facing criticism. At that intensity, it wasn’t justified.

“We grew even closer, had many good conversations where he really opened up.

"He’s intelligent and very open, and you get a lot back from talking to him. He can take a lot from that phase and come out stronger than ever before.”

Despite being just 22 years old, Wirtz has already made 38 appearances for his country and will be a central figure in Nagelsmann's team during this summer's World Cup.

And Nagelsmann thinks that Wirtz will be one of the world's best players for many years to come if he continues to apply himself in the way that he currently does.

“What sets him apart is his commitment – covering so much ground and working so hard as a left attacking midfielder is exceptional,” said Nagelsmann.

“He’s already a name in world football, and if he keeps this up, he’ll remain at the very top for a long time at any club because he’s unbelievably good and always has the necessary energy.

"Lothar Matthaus gave him a grade of A+ with a star. Who would want to disagree? You can’t.”