IMAGE CREDITS: IMAGO IMAGES
Arne Slot has provided an injury update ahead of the Newcastle clash on Monday evening.
The Alexander Isak transfer saga will add significant spice to what was already normally a heated affair with St James’ Park.
Liverpool’s rejected £110 million bid for the Swedish striker has created a messy situation that threatens to overshadow the football itself.
Isak’s Instagram statement claiming “broken promises” and his refusal to train with the first team has left Newcastle furious, with the club insisting no official guarantees were ever given regarding his departure.
The striker’s absence from their opening draw at Aston Villa speaks volumes about the fractured relationship.
Isak is not expected to play against Liverpool next week.
Meanwhile, Slot has provided an injury update in his pre-match press conference at the AXA Training Centre today, and has confirmed Jeremie Frimpong is out until after international break
“Conor trained with us for a few minutes today for the first time,” began Slot.
“Medical team was completely right about Jeremie to take him off because he’s out until the end of the international break.”
“We felt Jeremie had an issue in his hamstring – the medical staff did… and they were completely right. A good call from them as otherwise he could have been out for even longer.”
It is very unlucky timing with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are recovering from injury worries of their own.
The Dutch boss has also revealed that Gomez was not able to train completely with the squad:
“Joe Gomez hasn’t had a setback but he wasn’t able to train three days in a row. We will see where he is on Monday and if he can start.”
“You can’t prepare for injuries in one position – you can’t have five right-backs. Although we do have three left-backs at the moment!”
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.