Liverpool’s injury issues show no sign of easing, with Alexander Isak ruled out of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid and facing a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City.
The £125million forward signed in the summer to lead Arne Slot’s new-look attack has endured a frustrating start to life on Merseyside, with injuries and inconsistency hampering his ability to settle into rhythm.
His latest setback, an adductor problem sustained against Eintracht Frankfurt, has kept him sidelined for the past three matches.
The 25-year-old was once again missing from Liverpool’s open training session at Kirkby on Monday afternoon, with Slot later confirming that the Swedish international is not fit to feature against Madrid.
“Jeremie [Frimpong] and Alisson will not be available for Sunday,” said the Liverpool manager. “Alex [Isak] we have to wait and see. He definitely can’t start on Sunday but he could be in the squad.”
The comment offered a faint glimmer of hope that Isak could return to the matchday group at the Etihad, though his inclusion would depend on how he responds to treatment over the coming days. Slot and his staff are understood to be managing the situation cautiously after the striker aggravated his groin issue in Germany, an injury that was originally expected to be minor.
Isak’s absence comes at a delicate moment for both the player and the club. His early months at Anfield have been defined as much by frustration as potential. Since arriving as Liverpool’s record signing, he has managed just one goal, and each time he has looked close to finding rhythm, fitness concerns have intervened.
The latest blow has prevented him from building a partnership with fellow attackers Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, both of whom are expected to start on Tuesday night.
For a player brought in to spearhead the new era under Slot, the stop-start nature of his Liverpool career has been a source of irritation both personally and collectively.
Liverpool have been managing a steady stream of injuries since the start of the campaign, with Slot yet to name an unchanged XI in consecutive matches.
As well as Isak, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and right-back Jeremie Frimpong will also miss the Madrid tie. Alisson, who sustained a thigh injury late last month, remains sidelined and is unlikely to return before the international break, while Frimpong’s muscle issue has ruled him out for a similar period.
One positive development came in the form of Curtis Jones, who returned to team training after missing two games with a groin strain. His comeback is timely, with Slot eager for midfield stability against the European juggernauts.
Meanwhile, with Isak absent, Hugo Ekitike looks set to continue leading the line. The Frenchman, signed in the summer, has seized his opportunity in recent weeks, producing strong performances
The 22-year-old will have another chance to impress against Real Madrid, a stage on which reputations are made.
Liverpool have learned to adapt quickly in Slot’s short tenure, but the next few days will test both their resilience and their resolve. Isak’s time will come but for now, it’s Ekitike’s chance to shine on Europe’s biggest stage.
For now, Liverpool must manage without their marquee striker and trust the depth they have built over the summer.
