Arne Slot has delivered a pleasing update on Alexander Isak's fitness ahead of Sunday's Premier League main event with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Sweden international has missed the Reds' last four matches in all competitions due to the groin injury he sustained in the club's 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.
Prior to Liverpool's European success over Real Madrid in midweek,Slot ruled Isak out of contention for a startagainst Pep Guardiola's side, but he refused to close the door on the Premier League's record signing making the squad.
Now, Slot has confirmed that Isak will return to team training for the first time on Friday, although he stressed that the 26-year-old still needs time to get back up to full speed, so his participation in Sunday's game is still in some doubt.
"He will train for the first time with the team again," Slot told reporters. "After being three weeks out. 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.
Liverpool injury news: Alexander Isak to return to training before Man City clash
Liverpool's Alexander Isak pictured on November 1, 2025
"But I have to come back to those words, because if you're three weeks only with rehab, that doesn't bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago.
"Our rehab team is doing an incredible job, but you cannot compare rehab to games of football or training with the team. As much as we try to replicate that that's simply not possible. Again, I have to say, give him some time."
While Isak has a chance of making the matchday squad in Manchester, Hugo Ekitike is all but guaranteed to lead the line for the Premier League champions this weekend, when Slot will also be missing a handful of other players.
Jeremie Frimpong and Alisson Becker have already been ruled out until after the international break due to their hamstring concerns, while Italian defender Giovanni Leoni is out for the season as a result of his ACL injury.
The Reds are otherwise well-stocked for the meeting with Pep Guardiola's side, against whom they will pursue a third straight win in all competitions, and Andrew Robertson has been key to his side's recent revival.
Arne Slot drops Andy Robertson hint for Man City clash
Liverpool's Andy Robertson on March 16, 2025
The Scotland international has regained his place in the starting XI over the under-performing Milos Kerkez, playing the full 90 against Aston Villa before also completing 88 minutes of the win over Real Madrid in midweek.
However, Slot admitted in his pre-game press conference that Robertson appeared fatigued against Xabi Alonso's men and suggested that Kerkez might be in contention to return to the starting lineup on Sunday.
"He started three games in seven days, he also played against Crystal Palace," the Dutchman added on Robertson. "I had to take him off in the end of the game.
"I felt he was tired, but we have to wait and see. We had a day off yesterday and now a two-day lead-in to City. So let's see where he is today."
Victory for Liverpool over Man City will lift the champions two points above Guardiola's side in the Premier League table, but Arsenal - who hold a seven-point lead over the Reds - are guaranteed to head into the international break in first place.
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