With Sunday’s Premier League showdown at the Etihad approaching, Arne Slot offered a measured update on Liverpool’s injury situation.
Slot revealed that Alexander Isak is set to rejoin team training on Friday after three weeks out, but he urged supporters to temper expectations. Speaking in his pre-Manchester City press conference, the Liverpool boss cautioned that the striker will need time to regain sharpness:
“He’ll be back training with the squad today after three weeks out. I said at the time that his pre-season was basically restarting, so now we have to assess where he is. Three weeks of rehab doesn’t bring you straight back to your previous level. Our medical staff have done great work, but rehab isn’t the same as full training or matches. He’ll need patience and time.”
Isak has missed Liverpool’s last four fixtures due to a muscle injury picked up in late October. His absence has opened the door for Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed as the team’s central striker. Slot made it clear that Isak must rebuild rhythm and match fitness before pushing for a starting role again.
This perspective echoes recent commentary from Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Gary Neville regarding Isak’s settling-in period at Liverpool, with Keane remarking, “I still think he’ll come good for him. I think he’ll come good.”
Slot also shared encouraging news about Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong, confirming that both are tracking toward returns after the international break. He added:
“Alisson, definitely. I expect Jeremie back as well after the break because of the fixture run from November to March, but I don’t think he’ll be fully ready for the Forest match.”
The update will comfort fans, especially after Paul Scholes highlighted how much Liverpool have struggled without Alisson, saying it has felt as though “every shot is going in.”
Sunday’s trip to Manchester City represents a big opportunity for Liverpool to tighten the title race. Sitting third on 18 points — just one behind Guardiola’s side — Slot’s team heads into the match following a composed 1–0 Champions League win over Real Madrid, a performance marked by intensity, control, and strong defensive structure. Repeating that level, with key players nearing fitness, could keep Liverpool firmly in the hunt heading into the international break.
