Arne Slot hopes to have Alexander Isak fit as he mulls over changes to the Liverpool team against Manchester City.
Isak has missed the last four games across all competitions after being withdrawn at half-time Liverpool’s 5-1 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League because of a groin complaint.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot confirmed the Swede has a good chance of returning to action on Sunday afternoon.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again after being three weeks out,” Slot said.
“I know that I said three weeks ago his pre-season has ended, so now it’s time to for us to see where he is but I have to come back to those words because if you’re three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn’t bring you back to the levels he was at three weeks ago.
“Although our rehab team is doing an incredible job, but you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team as much as we try to replicate it, that is simply not possible.
“Again I have to say, give him some time.”
If passed fit it is unlikely that Isak will dislodge Hugo Ekitike to lead the line against Man City, therefore he would have to settle for a place on the substitutes bench.
As first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is set to miss out, Giorgi Mamardashvili will start in between the posts as he bids to keep a third clean sheet in a row.
Recently, Slot has reverted to the much of team that helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season, with Andy Robertson replacing Milos Kerkez at left-back and Dominik Szoboszlai operating in midfield.
The decision has certainly worked as the Reds looked like their old selves again in wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
That said a sterner test away at in-form Man City awaits and Slot could opt to recall Cody Gakpo in attack, thus seeing big-money summer signing Florian Wirtz make way.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike
Injured: Frimpong, Leoni, Alisson
Doubts: Isak
Time and date: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday, November 9, 2025
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Etihad Stadium
