Liverpool squad’s fitness issues has resurfaced, leaving head coach Arne Slot with a delicate balancing act ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford.
Liverpool’s emphatic 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night brought a sense of relief at Anfield after four consecutive defeats.
The Reds’ injury concerns were laid bare during the clash in Germany. Alexander Isak, the £125million summer signing from Newcastle United, was forced off at half-time with a groin problem, having started alongside Hugo Ekitike for the first time since his high-profile transfer. Slot was candid in his assessment after the match.
“Alex is not too bad. Question mark for the weekend and let’s see where he is,” he said, offering cautious optimism but leaving the Sweden international’s availability for Brentford uncertain.
Since his move from St James’ Park, Isak has struggled to establish himself at Anfield. His only goal for Liverpool came in a Carabao Cup victory over Southampton last month, and while he has shown glimpses of his potential in training and brief appearances, the groin setback interrupts the continuity the Dutch manager is trying to build in attack.
The injury raises further questions about Liverpool’s forward options. Hugo Ekitike has shown promise but remains untested over a full Premier League campaign, Slot’s attacking setup against Brentford may therefore hinge on the fitness of Isak and his supporting cast.
Ryan Gravenberch, who twisted his ankle during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, also remains uncertain. The midfielder did not travel with the squad to Germany, and Slot confirmed his ongoing assessment.
“That’s the same to be said about Ryan,” he explained. “He didn’t travel with us [to Germany], yesterday we were in and today as well.”
Gravenberch’s absence deprives Slot of midfield control and creativity, areas that have been inconsistent this season. His ability to drive play forward and link defence to attack is a key component Slot values, and losing him for even a single match reduces options in a midfield already stretched.
Goalkeeper Alisson is also still sidelined with a hamstring injury. “Alisson is not in the squad. That’s also going to take a little bit longer,” Slot confirmed, indicating that the Brazilian’s return remains some way off. Liverpool’s defensive stability has already been tested without him, and the club’s medical team will continue monitoring his recovery closely.
While Isak and Gravenberch are doubts, Jeremie Frimpong represents the most pressing concern. The £29.5 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen, who has struggled with recurring hamstring injuries since his arrival, was substituted after just 19 minutes against Frankfurt. Slot offered a stark appraisal of the defender’s condition.
“Jeremie is not in a good place,” he said. “He’s definitely not going to play today, tomorrow or next week. Hamstring injury is going to take a while.”
Frimpong’s limited game time just 84 minutes of Premier League football this season reflects the challenges he has faced in settling into a physically demanding league while managing prior injury issues. His absence adds further strain to Liverpool’s defensive depth, which has already been tested in the opening months of the season.
Slot’s challenge now is to manage a squad with multiple injuries, balancing the need for recovery with maintaining form and momentum. Liverpool’s medical staff are tasked with monitoring Isak and Gravenberch closely, providing tailored rehabilitation programmes for Frimpong and Alisson, and advising Slot on the risks of pushing players too soon.
“The reality is that injuries are part of the game,” Slot said. “We have to manage them carefully, make the right decisions for the squad, and see where the players are. That’s football, and we deal with it.”
For Liverpool supporters, the signs are mixed. The Frankfurt performance showcased the attacking potential of a squad still settling under Slot’s management, but the injuries to Isak, Gravenberch, Frimpong, and Alisson underscore the fragility that remains. How the Dutch manager navigates this period could define Liverpool’s trajectory in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s path forward will depend not just on tactical acumen or attacking flair, but on the careful management of player fitness. The coming days will be pivotal in determining who is ready for Brentford, who needs further recovery, and how Slot can maintain the momentum restored in Frankfurt without compromising the squad over the long term.
