Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak will miss Liverpool's Premier League clash at Manchester United due to a minor groin injury, dealing another blow to the record signing's disrupted campaign.
Isak's latest setback
The Sweden international scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in last week's win over Crystal Palace at Anfield. However, he reportedly sustained the problem during training ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.
Liverpool have been without the £125 million forward for significant periods this season, following his deadline-day move from Newcastle United and a fractured leg sustained in December's victory at Tottenham. He returned after the March international break, but his latest absence compounds injuries to Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah as Liverpool face their rivals in a crucial battle for third place.
Slot's update
Slot, who started with Cody Gakpo up front and Jeremie Frimpong on the right wing, confirmed to Sky Sports that Isak's injury occurred in training this week. The manager also revealed that first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains unavailable.
“I don't think in general it's a surprise after we pick up injuries, that has happened so many times this season, that no one can be surprised that it happened now again,” Slot said. “But Alex, it wasn't much, but unfortunately it was too much for him to be able to play. And Alisson hasn't trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We're hoping for him to be ready next week but we have to wait and see how the week will go, and the same can be said about Alex. We're hoping to have him back next week, but that's small margins, as it always is.”
Isak's stop-start season has been a source of frustration for Liverpool fans, with the striker showing glimpses of quality but struggling to maintain fitness. The team will need to adapt without him as they aim to secure a vital victory against their historic rivals.
