Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has delivered a fresh injury update ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League champions head into the clash aiming to book a place in the semi-finals, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion just before the international break.
The Reds have been handed positive news on the injury front, with the return of key players Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong.
Egyptian forward Salah, who recently confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, missed the defeat to Brighton, as well as both of Egypt’s games during the international break due to a muscle injury.
However, the 33-year-old has now recovered and is expected to feature in what is a must-win clash.
Speaking during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed the news in quotes revealed by the official Liverpool website.
“He is [fit]. He trained with us yesterday, he will train with us today and is available for the game tomorrow”, the Liverpool boss said.
Isak is also back with the squad after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Swedish striker has not played since picking up an injury in December during a Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The summer signing, who arrived from Newcastle United for a British-record £125 million fee, has been out of action for around three months with a broken fibula that required surgery.
While he is unlikely to start, he could provide an option from the bench.
“He trained with us yesterday for the first time and today for the second time after exactly 101 days. I know this because it was told to me.
“So, yeah, maybe a few minutes but let’s wait and see how it is with him today, how he feels about it himself.”
Frimpong has also returned to training and is available for selection. The defender had an injury scare during the international break after limping off after just 12 minutes in the Netherlands’ match against Ecuador, but has recovered quicker than expected and is back in contention for a starting role.
“He seems to be OK – trained with us yesterday fully and will train with us [today] again”, Slot added.
However, Liverpool have been dealt a major blow as goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss the trip to the Etihad Stadium while continuing his recovery from injury.
The Brazilian has already been sidelined multiple times this season and is now expected to remain out of action until the closing stages of the campaign.
“He will not be part of the Paris Saint-Germain games as well. He will be out for a bit longer. Towards the end of the season, we expect him to be fit again”, the Dutchman concluded.
Liverpool have lost both meetings with Manchester City this season, but will be hopeful of turning things around this time around with several key players returning.
A victory would see them secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since the 2021–22 campaign, when they went on to lift the trophy.
