Liverpool manager Arne Slot issued a key fitness update ahead of this weekend’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City, confirming that Alexander Isak is set to return to full training on Friday, while goalkeeper Alisson Becker and full-back Jeremie Frimpong remain sidelined.
Isak, who has been out since picking up an adductor injury during last month’s 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, could make his comeback against City if he comes through Friday’s session unscathed.
The Swedish forward’s recovery is a timely boost for Slot, whose side will be looking to avoid a fifth Premier League defeat of the season. Sweden coach Graham Potter previously suggested that Isak would be fit for the upcoming international break, and Slot has now echoed that optimism.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again after three weeks out,” Slot told his pre-match press conference. “I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended. It’s time for us to see where he is at.
“I have to come back to those words because if you are three weeks in rehab, that doesn’t bring you back to the levels you were three weeks ago. Although our team have done a great job, you can’t compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team. That’s simply not possible.
“Again, I’ve to say give him some time.”
Sunday’s clash will come too soon for Alisson Becker, who has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in early October, with his six-week recovery timeline progressing as expected. Slot revealed that the Brazilian goalkeeper should be ready to return when Liverpool face Nottingham Forest on November 22, but added that right-back Jeremie Frimpong will require more time to overcome his own hamstring setback.
“I also expect Jeremie to be back after the international break, because there isn’t another one until March!” Slot laughed.
“I don’t expect Frimpong to be fully fit for Nottingham Forest but I expect Alisson to be fit for that game.”
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