Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a significant double boost ahead of his side’s FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City, confirming that Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak will return to team training on Thursday.
The imminent return of two of the club’s most potent attacking threats comes at a crucial juncture, with the trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday representing one of Liverpool’s final chances for silverware this season.
Striker’s Long-Awaited Return
The comeback of Alexander Isak is particularly notable, marking the end of a lengthy and challenging rehabilitation. The club’s star summer signing has been sidelined for over three months after suffering a broken leg against Tottenham in December.
Isak, who has a history of groin and thigh problems, missed Sweden’s successful World Cup play-off campaign to focus on his recovery at Liverpool’s training base. Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the striker’s milestone, stating, “If you’ve worked so hard for three, four months or something like that and then to return to team training, that’s for everyone very nice.”
While cautioning that it will be Isak’s first session with the group after such a long layoff, Slot was unequivocal about the 26-year-old’s quality. “We all know who we signed and we’ve signed an incredible striker,” he said. “To have him back for the last two months is, I think, very helpful for us.”
In Isak’s prolonged absence, French forward Hugo Ekitike has shouldered the goalscoring burden, netting 16 times in his debut campaign.
Salah’s Swift Recovery
Mohamed Salah’s return follows a muscle injury that ruled him out of Liverpool’s last match against Brighton and forced him to withdraw from international duty with Egypt. His recovery timeline has been accelerated by his renowned dedication to physical conditioning.
Slot revealed that even when the injury occurred, the 33-year-old was bullish about his chances of featuring against City. “Mo looked at me and said, ‘I think I will be available for City,'” Slot told reporters. “He just does so much for his body for such a long time that he recovers so fast.”
Salah, whose career has been punctuated by hamstring issues, a serious shoulder injury and other ailments, is now set to train and, barring any setback, will be available for selection at the weekend.
Injury Concerns Elsewhere in the Squad
The positive news is tempered by fresh concerns over defender Jeremie Frimpong, who suffered another setback while on duty with the Netherlands. The right-back, who has already missed 25 matches across four separate injury spells this season, was substituted after just 14 minutes of a friendly against Ecuador.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman confirmed the change was injury-related, stating, “That was a blow, we had to substitute him.” Liverpool are awaiting the results of a scan, with Slot indicating the substitution was precautionary.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains a longer-term absentee after withdrawing from the Brazil squad. The Brazilian, who has kept 13 clean sheets in 34 appearances this season but has been plagued by recurring hamstring problems, will miss the match. Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to continue in goal.
There is better news regarding forward Federico Chiesa. He returned early from Italy duty after what national team coach Gennaro Gattuso described as “minor physical problems,” but has since trained with the Liverpool squad and is available for the weekend.
The treatment room at Kirkby remains busy, however. Conor Bradley (knee), Giovanni Leoni (knee), Wataru Endo (ankle), Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns are all unavailable, potentially leaving Slot without up to eight players for the trip to face the Premier League champions.
Slot’s Perspective Heading Into Crucial Tie
Addressing the mixed injury picture, the Dutch manager, who has a 63% win rate this season, struck a pragmatic note. He expressed particular pleasure at integrating Isak back into a team that creates plentiful chances.
On the broader context of a season where Liverpool have missed out on the Premier League and Champions League, the FA Cup run takes on added significance. Historically, Liverpool have a strong record against City in this competition, but face a side that has progressed from the quarter-finals in each of the last seven seasons.
With his key striker and talismanic winger back in the fold, Slot will feel his side’s prospects at the Etihad have been substantially improved.
