Liverpool received a mixed batch of injury updates today ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid.
Ryan Gravenberch returned from an ankle twist to score in the 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, but the win came without several key players, including Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong. Arne Slot was also missing Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones on Saturday, despite earlier stating that both were “99.9% sure” not to feature – and it now appears one of them could be back for the clash with Los Blancos.
Journalist Paul Joyce shared an update on X this afternoon from Liverpool’s training session in Kirkby, revealing: “Alexander Isak misses Liverpool training ahead of Real Madrid. Curtis Jones back with the group.”
It’s another setback for Isak, whose Liverpool journey has been stop-start since his club-record switch from Newcastle two months ago. After spending his early weeks building fitness, he had just started completing full matches before suffering a groin injury during the win over Eintracht Frankfurt last month.
With the Manchester City fixture not until next Sunday, the extra days could help his recovery, but missing Real Madrid would still feel like another lost chance to make his mark.
On the positive side, Jones’ return provides a timely boost, with the 24-year-old now in line to strengthen Liverpool’s squad options for tomorrow’s game. Given how impressive the midfield trio of Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai were against Villa, Slot may stick with the same starting lineup, but having Jones available is a major advantage considering his strong form recently.
Slot is expected to give a fuller injury update on Isak and Jones during his pre-match press conference later today.
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