Isak set for limited role against PSG admits Arne Slot

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak will only be able to play around one half in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield.

The striker is in the starting XI, but his minutes will be closely managed because he is not yet at full fitness.

Slot explained that Liverpool’s need for goals made it essential to use Isak from the opening whistle rather than hold him back as an impact substitute. “The thinking is that, as we all know, we need to score goals – that’s one thing and there are goals in these players (Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike). They are two target men, two players where we can play into, can score goals as I just said.

“And as you might maybe not know but I do know, Alex will not be able to play much more than 45 minutes, so if you have to bring him in with the possibility of extra-time, then it makes sense to me to start him,” Slot added.

His comments underline the fine balance Liverpool must strike between chasing a comeback and protecting one of their key forwards during a physically demanding stage of the season.