Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak is fit to return to the starting lineup for Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace, but Hugo Ekitike will be suspended after receiving a red card in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton.
Ekitike scored the late winner but was shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration, ruling him out of Saturday's match at Selhurst Park. Slot described the act as "needless and stupid" but confirmed the Frenchman was not fined.
Slot expressed concern over Isak's match fitness after the striker missed pre-season. "He's able to make minutes again," Slot said. "I still feel 90 minutes might be a bit too much. It's not smart to play him 90 yet."
Slot added that Ekitike's suspension complicates his selection for the Palace game. "It didn't hurt us on Tuesday evening, it might hurt us a bit more tomorrow," he said.
