Liverpool international break news as Florian Wirtz stars again amid Arne Slot relief

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Florian Wirtz was the only Liverpool stars in action on Monday as the international break draws to an end, with four players having now concluded their duties ahead of returning to the Reds

Florian Wirtz impressed again for Germany against Ghana(Image: Getty Images)

Florian Wirtz was the only Liverpool player in action on Monday as the international break draws to a close, with Arne Slot hoping to get all of his players back unscathed this week.

The Reds' players will be concluding their national duties over the next 24 hours or so, with three having already wrapped up for the final break of the season.

Hugo Ekitike made a bright cameo off the bench as Ibrahima Konate was afforded a rest in France's win over Colombia on Sunday, while Giorgi Mamardashvili got a confidence-boosting clean sheet in Georgia's win over Lithuania, which will be welcomed as he gets set to continue deputizing for the injured Alisson Becker.

On Monday, it was Wirtz's turn as Germany took on Ghana. The 22-year-old started the game after starring in the 4-3 win over Switzerland on Friday, despite Julian Nagelsmann having indicated he would try to rest the Liverpool star.

It proved to be another positive showing from Wirtz, which will fill Slot and Reds fans with hope ahead of his return to Merseyside this week.

He was involved in the action from early on, with his free-kick inside the opening six minutes almost putting Germany ahead as he grazed the outside of the post.

Florian Wirtz in action for Germany against Ghana(Image: Getty Images)

Wirtz would be denied his third goal of the international break just after the half-hour mark, with his strike after a clever lay-off from Nick Woltemade ruled out for offside after the Newcastle striker had just strayed too far.

The Liverpool ace would be heavily involved in the hosts eventually taking the lead though, with his superb run leading to Angelo Stiller's shot coming off the arm of Jonas Adjetey. After a VAR check, the penalty was harshly awarded, with Arsenal's Kai Havertz making no mistake from the spot.

Wirtz continued in the second half before being brought off on the hour-mark, no doubt to the relief of Slot.

The forward will now be hoping he can carry his international form back with him to Liverpool, having opened up on how Germany boss Nagelsmann helped him after his difficult start at Anfield.

"It wasn't an easy phase," Wirtz told Sportschau. "It's sometimes good that things don't always go upwards, and that you experience a dip and grow stronger because of it.

"That's how I see it now as well – it has made me a bit stronger. I had to overcome resistance and adapt. I had to learn to become stronger and hold onto the ball.

"The coach (Julian Nagelsmann) always supported me during the difficult phase after my move to Liverpool and always had an open ear for me.

"He gave me tips and reassured me. That has brought us closer together."