Liverpool fans will have to wait a little longer to see Alexander Isak back in action, as manager Arne Slot has confirmed the star striker is sidelined for the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Sweden international, who joined Liverpool for a club-record £125 million on deadline day from Newcastle United, has endured a frustratingly stop-start debut season. Just a week after scoring his first Premier League goal for the Reds in a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield, Isak has reportedly picked up a groin issue in training.
This latest setback adds to a campaign that has been marred by injuries for the prolific forward. After missing significant spells following his arrival, Isak fractured his leg during December's win at Tottenham Hotspur. He only returned to action after the March international break, but his momentum has been halted once again.
Isak's absence compounds Liverpool's injury woes, with Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah also unavailable for this high-stakes encounter. The Reds are locked in a tight battle for third place with their fierce rivals, making this a pivotal fixture in the season's run-in.
Slot, who opted to start Cody Gakpo up front and Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing, confirmed the news to Sky Sports, acknowledging the team's ongoing injury struggles. "I don't think in general it's a surprise after we pick up injuries, that has happened so many times this season," Slot said. "But Alex, it wasn't much, but unfortunately it was too much for him to be able to play."
The Liverpool boss also provided updates on first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who remains sidelined. "Alisson hasn't trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We're hoping for him to be ready next week, but we have to wait and see how the week will go, and the same can be said about Alex. We're hoping to have him back next week, but that's small margins, as it always is."
For Liverpool supporters, the hope is that these "small margins" will tip in their favor soon, as the team looks to finish the season strong and secure a top-three finish in the Premier League.