Arne Slot has named his side for today’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City at the Etihad. There are three changes, including a rare start for Curtis Jones. But the big talking point is the absence of Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker has been back in team training after breaking his leg in the 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur back in December. Fans hoped to see him on the bench. Instead, he is not in the squad at all.
The decision behind Isak’s omission
Arne Slot has chosen caution over risk. The decision was taken that it’s too soon for Alexander Isak to be involved after just two full training sessions following over three months out. That’s a sensible call and one that would have been too early.
Speaking ahead of the match in pre match press conference, Slot made his thinking clear. “Of course it’s only his first session, after three- or four-months [out], with the team but it’s good to have him back because we all know who we signed and we’ve signed an incredible striker.”
He added: “So to have him again in a team that’s usually generating quite a lot of chances and maybe not immediately from the first moment that he can start, but to have him back for the last two months is, I think, very helpful for us.”
He explained further as he told TNT Sports: “I was hoping the same [that Isak would be among the substitutes on Saturday], but you always do these things in co-operation with medical staff, performance staff and the player himself.
“We came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions than only one or two and then immediately jump into a game like this, where if you bring him in there might be extra-time.
“The situation is now that I hope – again I hope – that he will be available for Wednesday, but today came too early for him.”
Three changes to the starting XI
Mohamed Salah returns after missing the 2-1 defeat to Brighton Hove Albion with a muscle injury. Curtis Jones comes into the engine room alongside Ryan Gravenberch, with Dominik Szoboszlai in the advanced role. Florian Wirtz starts as the No.10, supporting Hugo Ekitike up front.
Curtis Jones will be eager to prove himself after coming back into the starting lineup. The local lad has struggled for consistent minutes this campaign, but his ability to carry the ball through midfield could be vital against City’s press. Alongside him, Florian Wirtz, back as the No.10, offers creativity in the middle of the park. If those two click early, Salah and Ekitike will get service.
Giorgi Mamardashvili continues in goal with Alisson sidelined long-term. The back four completes with Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool starting XI: Mamardashvili (GK); Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones; Ekitike, Wirtz, Salah.
Subs: Woodman, Mac Allister, Chiesa, Gakpo, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Morrison, Ngumoha
What does this mean for Liverpool?
Alexander Isak’s absence is disappointing but understandable. He has endured a difficult first season at Anfield since arriving from Newcastle, where he scored 54 Premier League goals across three seasons. Rushing him back now would be reckless.
The hope is that he returns for their first leg semi final Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night. For today, Liverpool fans will have to back Ekitike and Salah upfront. Kick-off is 12:45 pm live on TNT Sports.
