Arne Slot has delivered a mixed update on Liverpool’s injury situation ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad.
The Liverpool boss revealed that Alexander Isak is set to rejoin full training on Friday after spending three weeks on the sidelines, but cautioned fans against expecting an instant return to peak form. During his press conference before facing Manchester City, Slot explained:
“He’ll train with the squad again for the first time today after being out for three weeks. I joked before that his pre-season was over, but I need to correct that — three weeks of rehab doesn’t put you straight back at the level he was at before.
“Our medical staff have done fantastic work, but rehab can’t match proper training and match intensity. We try to mirror it, but it’s not the same. So he’ll need a bit of time.”
Isak has missed the last four matches due to a muscular issue, giving Hugo Ekitike the opportunity to lead the attack — a role the French striker has embraced. Slot made it clear that Isak will need to regain sharpness and rhythm before competing for his starting place again.
His comments echo recent pundit discussions involving Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Gary Neville, with Keane stating confidently: “I still think he’ll come good.”
Slot also gave updates on Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong, confirming that both should return after the international break.
“Alisson for sure. And I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well… but I don’t expect him to be fully ready for Forest,” Slot added.
That news will reassure supporters, especially after Paul Scholes recently highlighted how much Liverpool have missed Alisson, saying that without him “every shot seems to be going in.”
Momentum building before the break
Sunday’s showdown with City presents a massive chance for Liverpool to close the gap at the top. The Reds are currently third with 18 points — just one behind Pep Guardiola’s side.
The match follows a hard-fought 1–0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid, where Liverpool showed strong energy, control, and defensive solidity. Another performance like that could see Slot’s team enter the international break firmly in the title hunt, particularly with key players edging closer to full fitness.
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