Virgil van Dijk wants change at Liverpool after 'unacceptable' season
Virgil van Dijk wants change at Liverpool after 'unacceptable' season
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The striker last week missed the defeat at Manchester United with a minor injury, but has been able to train since and is now in line to start at Anfield.
Isak’s availability would likely see Cody Gakpo move to the left wing as the Swedish forward takes up the mantle of lone frontman.
Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman had a tough time against United, and was expected to deputise again.
However, Giorgi Mamardashvili is surprisingly back in contention a week ahead of schedule, having recovered from the cut suffered against Everton.
Elsewhere, Ibrahima Konate is back in the fold after a personal matter, while Florian Wirtz has shaken off a minor illness to start.
Alexander Isak is fit to return
Arne Slot told reporters on Friday: "The positive thing is a few of the players who can be really important for us are either coming back at the weekend or after the weekend.
“That will help us ... It's important we get at least one win over the line which might be enough [to qualify for the Champions League].”
The game will come too soon for first-choice keeper Alisson Becker and star man Mohamed Salah, who are nursing hamstring issues but are expected to play before the end of the season.
Confirmed team news
Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gakpo, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Ngumoha
Subs: Woodman, Gomez, Isak, Chiesa, Robertson, Nyoni, Morrison, Ndiaye, Wright
Chelsea XI: Jorgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella, Hato, Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez, Palmer, Joao Pedro
Subs: Slonina, James, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Lavia, Eboue, Kabila-McQueen, Delap
Injured: Alisson, Salah, Ekitike, Bradley and Leoni
Time and date: 12:30pm BST on Saturday May 9, 2026
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
How to watch: TNT Sports