The injury bug continues to bite at Anfield, as Liverpool were dealt another frustrating blow this weekend. Star striker Alexander Isak was forced to miss Sunday's high-stakes clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford due to a groin issue, leaving fans and manager Arne Slot to reshuffle their plans yet again.
The Swedish international, who only recently returned from a long-term broken leg suffered back in December, was ruled out just before kickoff. While Slot was quick to downplay the severity of the problem, he confirmed it was "too much" for Isak to feature against the Red Devils. "It wasn't much, but unfortunately it was too much for him to be able to play," Slot told Sky Sports. "We're hoping to have him back next week, but that's small margins, as it always is."
Isak's absence is the latest chapter in a season plagued by injuries for Liverpool. Since his blockbuster £125 million move from Newcastle United last summer, the 25-year-old has managed just 13 Premier League appearances. With Mo Salah also sidelined, the Reds were forced to turn to Cody Gakpo up front, while Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong were drafted into the starting lineup.
The Anfield treatment room is starting to look like a who's who of the squad, with Hugo Ekitike, Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez, and Jayden Danns all currently unavailable. It's a list that would test any team's depth, and Liverpool are feeling the strain as they push through the final stretch of the season.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United had better luck with their injury concerns. Matheus Cunha was deemed fit to start after missing the Brentford game with a hip issue, and he made an immediate impact by scoring the opening goal. Benjamin Sesko doubled United's lead before halftime, leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb at Old Trafford.
As the Reds look ahead, all eyes will be on Isak and Alisson's recovery timelines. For a team already stretched thin, every day of rest counts—and every return to fitness feels like a new signing.