Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad, Arne Slot provided a cautious injury update.
Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak will return to training on Friday after a three-week absence, but warned fans not to expect the Swedish striker to hit top form immediately. Speaking at his pre-Manchester City press conference, the Liverpool manager said:
> “He will train with the team again today after being out for three weeks. I mentioned three weeks ago that his pre-season had ended, so now we need to see where he stands. But three weeks of rehab alone won’t get him back to the level he was at before. Our rehab team is doing a fantastic job, but rehab can’t fully replicate real games or team training. We need to give him time.”
Isak has missed the last four matches due to a muscular injury sustained in late October. His absence has allowed Hugo Ekitike to continue leading the line, and the Frenchman has thrived as the team’s lone central striker. Slot emphasized that Isak will need time and match rhythm before he can compete for a starting spot.
This aligns with commentary from Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Gary Neville on Isak’s early challenges at Liverpool, with Keane noting: “I still think he’ll come good for him. I think he’ll come good.”
Slot also provided updates on Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong, confirming both are expected back after the international break. He added:
> “Alisson for sure. I expect Jeremie back after the international break because we play from November to March, but I don’t expect him to be fully fit for the Forest game.”
This news will reassure fans after Paul Scholes highlighted how much Liverpool have missed Alisson, pointing out that “every shot seems to be going in” without him.
Sunday’s match against Manchester City presents a major chance for Liverpool to close in on the top of the table. Currently third with 18 points, they sit just one behind Pep Guardiola’s side. The game follows a confident 1–0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid, in which Liverpool displayed energy, control, and defensive discipline. Replicating that performance, especially with key players nearing full fitness, could keep Slot’s side firmly in the title race heading into the break.
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