Alexander Isak’s availability for Liverpool revealed
Injury heartbreak for Alisson Becker
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot questions the Etihad atmosphere in a bold pre-match dig at Manchester City. Plus, get the full injury timeline for Alisson Becker and the latest on Alexander Isak’s fitness for the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will go into the FA Cup quarter-final matchup against Manchester City this weekend as one of the most vital games of his Reds career.
Speaking to the media ahead of the FA clash against the Blues and Slot spoke about the importance of getting a lead and acknowledged the difficulties of playing at the Etihad, but also delivered a positive message. He stated:
“I think we have felt this season multiple times how important it is to get a lead, we have struggled with that. It’s much easier than being 1 or 2-0 up. Scoring goals is vital, so I am happy Alex is back. Away game last season, we scored a set-piece, which is so important.
Slot described their second-half performance at Anfield as a “big step forward,” noting how rare it is for any team to dictate play against Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, he was quick to acknowledge that doing so away from home is a different beast without the “energy” of 60,000 Liverpool supporters behind them.
In a pointed jab at the City faithful, Slot suggested that the increased FA Cup away allocation could shift the balance, stating he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the traveling Reds actually outshout the home crowd.
We didn’t have that at the Etihad this season, they scored, we didn’t – had one disallowed. First half at Anfield City dominated the ball, how impressive was it we dominated the ball second half? How many teams do that? So that was a big step forward but we have to show this as well in their stadium, which is harder than 60,000 at Anfield giving you the energy you need. We have more fans than normal because it is FA Cup and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re louder than them.”
Arne Slot reveals whether Alexander Isak will start the game
Isak has been on the sidelines for a long period. So although he is back now, the Dutchman seems to be taking a cautious approach regarding the Swedish international. Slot was asked about his £125m asset being included in match day squad in the near future and said:
“We’ll be too soon to expect him in the starting lineup, first time training y’day after 101 days out, it will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes but we will make sure we do the right thing to build him up but it is a good thing to have him on the training ground, even better to get him on the pitch.” He added,
“It’s a difficult one, we don’t play a ‘normal’ game, could go to extra time, which makes it difficult if he can only play 10 minutes. We can take him off again of course if we have the players but maybe a few minutes tomorrow but let’s wait and see today, how he feels. Two sessions, 100 days out, no sense to start him tomorrow.”
Slot further went on to rule out any minutes for Alisson, who has still not recovered from his injury. The Dutch manager has stated:
“Yeah, he will not be part of the PSG game either, out for a bit longer. Towards the end of the season we expect him to be fit. Frimpong trained with us and seems to be OK but he was one of the players I referred to at Brighton, he still has a step to make in terms of every 3 days. Interesting and difficult choice for how many minutes on international duty. We don’t have 8 right full-backs available but I will find an answer.”
The City matchup will be a make-or-break game for multiple reasons. Liverpool still have some injury problems they need to sort out, but overall the Reds should have had some much-needed rest after the international break. Let’s see if Liverpool can go on to give Salah another trophy before he leaves and progress into the semi-final of the FA Cup.
