Slot Provides Cautious Update

Alexander Isak is fit to return to the Liverpool squad for Sunday’s trip to Man City, but Arne Slot has warned against expectations over the striker’s current level.

Isak will rejoin team training on Friday and is expected to be named on the bench for Sunday’s 4.30pm kickoff at the Etihad.

It comes after four games out with a groin injury, having been forced off at half-time in the 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, and in a difficult start to the campaign overall.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot explained: “He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out.

“So I know that I said three weeks ago ‘his pre-season has ended, so now it’s time for us to see where he is’.

“But I have to come back to those words, because if you are three weeks only with the rehab team that doesn’t bring you back to the level he was three weeks ago.

“Although our rehab team has done an incredible job, you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team.

“As much as we try to replicate it, that’s simply not possible. So again, I have to say give him some time.”

Isak expected to take up a bench role

The head coach is rightly playing down expectations over Isak upon his return, with it clear he is still working his way towards not only full fitness but also sharpness on the pitch.

His latest setback will do exactly that: set him back in his efforts to find that sharpness and is likely to require a gradual increase in minutes again.

Hugo Ekitike will almost certainly start up front against Man City with Federico Chiesa another option in the No. 9 role, while Cody Gakpo impressed in a brief stint as a striker in the 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in midweek.

There is, therefore, no need to rush Isak back into starting contention, with Slot right to take a cautious approach with his £125 million centre-forward.

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