Liverpool's preparations for next weekend's crucial Premier League match against Chelsea have been dealt a blow, with goalkeeper Alisson and striker Alexander Isak both doubtful. The Reds were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United on Sunday, missing out on a chance to secure Champions League qualification, and now face an uphill battle to have key players fit for the visit of Chelsea.
Alisson has missed eight consecutive matches with a hamstring injury and has yet to return to first-team training. Manager Arne Slot confirmed ahead of the United match that the Brazilian is not ready, saying: 'Alisson hasn't trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We are hoping for him to be ready next week but we have to wait and see how the week will go.'
Isak, who has spent much of the season on the sidelines, picked up a minor groin injury in training before the United match and was omitted from the squad. Slot described the injury as minor and expressed hope that the Swedish striker could return for the Chelsea game. 'With Alex, it wasn't much but unfortunately, it was too much for him to be able to play. We are hoping to have him back next week but that is small margins,' Slot said.
Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave Liverpool this summer, is also sidelined with a hamstring injury but is expected to return before the end of the season. A club statement confirmed: 'It is anticipated Salah will return to action ahead of 2025-26's conclusion and his departure from the Reds this summer.' Slot added that Salah's recovery is typically quicker than other players.
Other long-term absentees include Hugo Ekitike, who is out for nine months after Achilles surgery, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Wataru Endo is back in individual training after an ankle injury and may feature again before the World Cup.
