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Alexander Isak absence explained as Liverpool face Man United in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Alexander Isak is absent from Liverpool’s squad for the Premier League showdown against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The striker, purchased for a British record £125m fee last summer, recently returned from a broken leg and scored in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. But Isak has not been included in Arne Slot’s set-up for the clash against United because of a minor groin issue - with the Reds boss having severely depleted options.
Slot has no recognised striker with Hugo Ekitike sidelined with a long-term Achilles injury while Mo Salah has a hamstring injury. It means that Cody Gapkpo is set to spearhead the attack, with Jeremie Frimpong replacing Salah on the right-hand side. Ryan Gravenberch returns to the midfield in the place of Isak.
No.1 goalkeeper Alisson Becker has not been declared fit and with second-choice Giorgi Mamardashvili still unavailable with a nasty wound, Freddie Woodman has to continue between the posts. Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee), Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic (both hamstring) remain absent.
As a consequence, Liverpool have an extremely youthful bench with 18-year-old centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye called into the first-team squad for the first time since being signed in January. Will Wright, 18, is also included among the substitutes in the absence of Isak.
A victory for Liverpool may appear unlikely but it would see them leapfrog fierce foes United into third spot and secure Champions League qualification.
Liverpool: Woodman, Van Dijk, Konate, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong, Gravenberch.
Subs: Pecsi, Gomez, Kerkez, Chiesa, Nyoni, Morrison, Ngumoha, Ndiaye, Wright.
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