Arne Slot has delivered a key update on Liverpool’s fitness situation ahead of the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, via liverpoolfc.com, the Reds boss admitted that Alexander Isak, who made his debut against Atletico Madrid in midweek, is still feeling the intensity of competitive football after a summer with little game time.
“We had recovery yesterday. Actually, we’re going to train this afternoon, so first of all we have to see how they all feel,” Slot explained. “What I do know is that Alex [Isak] did feel his body more maybe than ever before after the 60 minutes he played, so let’s see how he’s recovered today and then we’re going to think about the line-up.”
Isak showed glimpses of his quality in the Champions League clash but is still working towards full sharpness. His availability for his first Merseyside derby remains uncertain as Slot weighs his options.
The Dutchman also addressed the demands of a rare three-game week, noting the unusual schedule of Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday fixtures. “We had to play this week three games, which is something we have to do a lot, but it is not many times that you have to do this in seven days. So, Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday is not a schedule you see a lot,” he said.
Slot stressed the importance of recovery ahead of Saturday’s 12:30pm kick-off at Anfield, adding: “One of the ways to recover really well is sleep, as we all know.”
Curtis Jones has been declared fit and back in contention, giving the manager another option in midfield. With Everton arriving for what promises to be a high-intensity derby, rotation and freshness could prove decisive in Liverpool’s bid to extend their strong start to the season.
