Arne Slot benches Alexander Isak for Saturday clash

Arne Slot has confirmed Alexander Isak will start on the bench for Liverpool’s game on Saturday, even though the striker has made encouraging progress in his recovery.

Isak has been out for around 100 days after ankle surgery, which also involved a fractured fibula suffered when Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven caught him as he scored in a 2-1 win back in December.

Slot stressed that throwing Isak straight into the starting XI would be a risk, particularly with the possibility of extra time adding to his workload. “We can take him off again of course if we have the players but maybe a few minutes tomorrow but let’s wait and see today, how he feels,” the Liverpool boss said.

The Dutchman praised the forward’s condition after rehab, but urged realism over what can be expected so soon after such a long absence.

“Rehab did a great job, I see a player much stronger, in a better place but 100 days off to the intensity of the Premier League and Champions League, what is realistic to expect is difficult,” he added.

Slot views having Isak available, either supporting or partnering Hugo Ekitike, as a big boost ahead of next season, when a full pre-season should help unlock his best level.