Liverpool manager Arne Slot is optimistic that striker Alexander Isak will be available for the team's final Premier League match of the season against Brentford next weekend. The Sweden international missed Friday night's 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa due to a minor injury, continuing what has been a challenging first year at Anfield.
Isak's injury struggles continue
The 26-year-old forward has endured a difficult campaign, having missed pre-season before suffering a broken leg earlier in the season. His absence at Villa Park further complicated Liverpool's push for Champions League qualification, which remains uncertain. Slot acknowledged the delicate balance of managing Isak's fitness, especially with fellow striker Hugo Ekitike sidelined long-term.
"Yes, there will definitely be a chance. He missed pre-season as we all know and then he broke his leg," Slot said. "We've tried to be as careful as we could with him, taking into account that our other No.9, Hugo Ekitike, is out for such a long time, so we needed him as a result of that even more."
Slot's cautious approach
The Dutch manager stressed that minor injuries were almost inevitable given Isak's lack of preparation. "We've tried to be as careful as we could, but I don't think it can come to anyone as a surprise if you miss your pre-season, if you then break your leg, that minor injuries can occur if you have to start in Premier League games immediately in that intensity," Slot explained.
"It's just a bit of bad luck for him that in the moment of time when he comes back, Hugo gets injured and we need him more. I expect him to train with us this week, but I cannot give any guarantees."
Set-piece woes continue
Liverpool's defeat at Aston Villa highlighted a recurring issue: vulnerability from set pieces. The Reds conceded three goals from dead-ball situations, a problem that has plagued them in recent matches against Manchester United and Chelsea. Slot admitted the responsibility lies with him to address the defensive lapses.
"It's frustrating because as a manager you're also responsible for if things happen time and time again," he said. "You are hired to try to prevent that for the next time. We scored two set-pieces over here, so usually you think if you go to an away game or any game where you score two set-pieces, usually you're quite sure of a result – unless you concede three set-pieces, like we did."
"So against Manchester United, against Chelsea, in this game again, we have a negative balance in set-pieces and that makes it really hard if you play against equal teams – which United, Chelsea and Villa are – to win a game of football, and again that was shown."
