Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed Alexander Isak is not fit enough to start against PSV, with Hugo Ekitike set to lead the line instead in Wednesday's Champions League clash
Matthew Abbott US Sports Writer and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
19:47, 26 Nov 2025
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Arne Slot revealed why Alexander Isak was dropped
Arne Slot has taken the bold decision to drop Alexander Isak for Liverpool's Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven on Wedensday.
The Dutchman admitted that Alexander Isak isn't match-fit enough to feature from the start for the Reds. Slot also revealed that Alisson is missing through illness, while confirming that Curtis Jones will operate at right-back.
Speaking to TNT Sport, Slot explained: "Alex, I think in the last four weeks, he played 30 minutes. Then he played with us for 70 minutes in a game that wasn't so intense, I would say, because we dominated ball possession so much.
"But I think I could see that it wasn't easy for him to manage himself through those 70 minutes. So then, if you have another number nine also, who is very good, then it makes sense to play the other one, and that's Hugo [Ekitike] tonight," reports the Liverpool Echo.
He added: "You reflect and you look forward. I think we had 75% ball possession so that tells you we don't have to defend much.
Alexander Isak
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Alexander Isak isn't match fit(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
"But we didn't defend with the quality needed. The four or five times we have to defend, it needs to be better.
"The first time was from a set piece and we've conceded far too many from them. It's not a coincidence. In many parts of the game, they do what I expect of them.
"We've had little time on the training pitch and the training cannot be as intense as you want.
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"I had to say something but I wasn't the only one who was very annoyed at the way we defended in moments.
"It's not a problem over the whole game, it's in moments."
And when asked about Jones at right-back, Slot said: "I can understand there is some doubt because they both can play there and as can Joe Gomez but he's been struggling lately with a knee injury but Curtis will start there."