The Reds are set for a double fitness lift this week as Arne Slot sets his sights on an Alexander Isak and Alisson Becker return. With Chelsea the visitors on Saturday, the availability of two of Liverpool’s most vital stars would be a timely shot in the arm for Slot as he looks to steady the ship at Anfield.
What happened
Liverpool confirmed Alexander Isak missed the trip to Old Trafford because of a minor issue, while Alisson had still not returned to training. Slot has said the striker’s problem is small but enough to rule him out at Manchester United, and the club are now hoping to have him back this week for the clash vs Chelsea on Saturday.
The head coach also said Alisson has not yet trained with the squad, though there is similar hope around his availability depending on how the week develops.
That came after a frustrating afternoon at Old Trafford, where Liverpool fell 2-0 behind, fought back to 2-2 through Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, and still left empty-handed.
Slot admitted his side switched off again in decisive moments and said the result leaves Liverpool still needing points to secure Champions League qualification.
Why it matters for Liverpool
The Isak update is the biggest immediate positive. The Reds looked short of a natural focal point for long stretches against Manchester United, and Slot had to reshuffle the attack during the game. If Isak is fit enough to return against Chelsea, they would regain a proper No.9 at exactly the stage of the season when they need one.
Alisson’s situation matters just as much. Liverpool have missed his authority and calm through an awkward spell, and even the possibility of his return changes the tone around the back line.
As Slot said during his post match press conference after the 3-2 defeat:
“We were able, with this team, to have a chance of winning this game and we were quite close. But, as always, one moment of switching off immediately leads to us conceding a goal… so many times this season it was waiting for us to score one and then we conceded because we switched off for one or two seconds in a crucial moment.”
“We’re expecting him to be back very soon. But you saw the second half, so there’s no excuse. I haven’t spoken about missing players [and] I’m not talking about it now. If you can play a second half as we did, there’s no necessity to have other players here.”
That said, neither player has been cleared yet, so supporters should see this as encouragement rather than confirmation.
What happens next
Liverpool’s next key check comes on the training ground this week at the AXA Training Centre. If Isak and Alisson can rejoin the squad in full training, both will come into the conversation for Chelsea on Saturday, May 9 at 12:30pm BST. If either player suffers a setback, Liverpool will have to push on without them again in a game that now feels even bigger.
Slot’s comments suggest the club are optimistic, but not yet certain. That is the line Liverpool supporters should hold onto for now.
ReadLiverpool verdict
This is not a decisive injury all-clear, but it is still one of the better pieces of Liverpool news to come out of a poor afternoon at Old Trafford. If Isak and Alisson make it back for Chelsea, the mood changes quickly. If they do not, the pressure on Liverpool’s existing options only grows.
