Alexander Isak is expected to feature when the Reds play host to Crystal Palace in a 3pm Premier League kick-off on Saturday.
With Hugo Ekitike sidelined until some point in 2026/27, the Swede is currently the only natural striker Arne Slot has available.
However, Paul Merson has warned that overplaying the former Newcastle United hitman could run the risk of seeing Isak injured yet again.
With Arne Slot expected to stay, will Liverpool challenge for the Premier League next season?
Or will it be another difficult campaign? 😬
Arne Slot reacts animatedly during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot kisses the Premier League trophy after the final day of the 2025/26 season at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Liverpool risk injuring Alexander Isak with too many minutes
Isak missed the 2025 pre-season with the Magpies as he was trying to force a move to Anfield.
He was then injured early in the campaign and, after returning in late 2025, picked up another problem against Tottenham Hotspur.
Isak is now back in the squad, but Merson, speaking to Sportskeeda, thinks his minutes must be managed carefully.
He stated: “When it comes to Alexander Isak, I feel Liverpool need to be patient. Hugo Ekitike is out injured for a long time, but I don’t think Isak should be rushed in to play a lot of minutes. He’s hardly played any football this season and with the World Cup also coming up, he could be asked to play too many minutes in a short span of time.
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“If his minutes are not managed properly, Liverpool could risk losing him to another injury. I have no doubt that Arne Slot will have this in his mind, but will Sweden manage his minutes like Liverpool?
“I actually fancy Sweden to have a good run in the World Cup. And we all know that Isak will start ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, if he’s at his best. So it will be interesting to see how he’s taken care of by club and country in the coming weeks.”
Who should Slot start up front against Crystal Palace? 🤔
Alexander Isak pictured with his arms outstretched during Liverpool's Premier League match against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Cody Gakpo reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Credit: James Gill/Danehouse/Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Paul Merson predicts Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Merson also predicted the outcome of Saturday afternoon’s clash, backing a Liverpool win.
The Reds have lost their last three meetings with the Eagles, but with a Europa Conference League semi-final coming up, the ex-player thinks their focus will be away from the Premier League.
He predicted a 3-0 home win and said: “I can’t see anything but a Liverpool win here. Crystal Palace have a big game coming up in the Europa Conference League against Shakhtar Donetsk next Thursday.
“Honestly, Palace’s season entirely depends on the next two Thursdays, when they play Shakhtar over two legs in the semi-final of the Conference League.”
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