National Team Call-Up Provides Injury Boost for Reds, But Striker Not Yet Fit for Full Match
In a welcome update for Liverpool fans, Sweden manager Graham Potter has revealed he expects Alexander Isak to be available for this weekend’s high-stakes trip to Manchester City, offering the clearest indication yet on the striker’s recovery from injury.
The club-record signing has been sidelined for four games with an adductor problem, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot remaining cautious about his return. However, the newly appointed Swedish coach has now shed light on the situation, confirming Isak is “available” ahead of upcoming international duty.
“We’ll see this weekend. Hopefully he can play against Manchester City and be with us,” Potter stated, while also issuing a note of caution. “But Alex is not ready to play 90 minutes in two games in four days.”
This creates a potential selection headache for Slot. Earlier this week, the Dutch manager confirmed Isak would “definitely not” start at the Etihad, as the player had not yet returned to full team training. However, even a spot on the bench would be a significant boost.
The return of Isak forces a tactical decision for Slot against his “idol,” Pep Guardiola. Last season, the Liverpool boss famously deployed a striker-less system with great success against City. With in-form Hugo Ekitiké also vying for the starting role, Slot must now decide whether to reintegrate his returning star or stick with the tactical blueprint that has previously unlocked the City defense.
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