Liverpool return to action this weekend following the final international break of the season, with a tough FA Cup quarter-final trip to Manchester City.
Every visit to the Etihad is challenging, and Liverpool’s current injury situation adds to the difficulty. Arne Slot faces several fitness concerns ahead of the match, though there is positive news.
Mohamed Salah is set to be available, and Alexander Isak is expected to return to full training this week. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo remain sidelined with long-term injuries, while youngsters Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns continue to be absent from first-team plans.
Federico Chiesa made a late substitute appearance at Brighton but subsequently withdrew from the Italy squad due to injury. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who missed the Premier League trip to Manchester City in November with a hamstring issue, stated he expected to be “out of action for a while” before the Brighton game, where Giorgi Mamardashvili took his place.
Posting on Instagram, Alisson wrote: “Unfortunately I’ll be out of action for a while. Already working hard to be back stronger. Thank you for the support.”
After the defeat to Brighton, Slot said at his post-match press conference: “Alisson will definitely be out during the international break and let’s see afterwards.”
Alisson missed the first leg of Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 tie against Galatasaray in Istanbul due to a minor muscle issue but returned for both the Premier League draw with Tottenham Hotspur and the 4-0 second-leg victory over Galatasaray at Anfield.
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, uncertainty remains over when Alisson will return to the first team. The Brazil international is a major doubt for the trip to Parc des Princes, where he starred last season to help Liverpool secure victory in their Champions League last-16 first leg. Alisson has racked up 34 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions this season.
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