Slot urges patience as Swedish-Eritrean star Alexander Isak faces race to be fit for Man City showdown

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a cautious update on striker Alexander Isak ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester City.

The Swedish-Eritrean forward, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United this summer, remains doubtful for the trip to the Etihad Stadium despite recent progress in training.

Isak has been sidelined for three weeks after limping off during Liverpool’s Europa League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Slot confirmed the 26-year-old has returned to full training but warned that he still lacks match fitness.

“Isak will train with the team again after three weeks out,” Slot told reporters.

“If you’ve had three weeks with rehab, it doesn’t bring you back to the level you were at.”

The Liverpool boss commended the club’s medical team for their work but stressed that match conditions are irreplaceable.

“Even though our rehab has done an incredible job, you can’t replicate games. I have to say, give him some time.”

Isak’s absence has seen fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike step up impressively, scoring six goals and registering one assist in 15 appearances.

The French forward is expected to lead the line again as Liverpool chase vital points to stay in the title race.

Liverpool, currently third, trail leaders Arsenal by six points and face a City side only one point ahead.

Isak’s continued unavailability will be a setback for Slot, who views the player as central to his long-term attacking plans.

Isak’s move from Newcastle was one of the summer’s most talked-about transfers after he pushed for a switch to Anfield.

But his disrupted pre-season and recurring fitness issues have delayed his full integration into the squad.

Slot remains optimistic that the striker will regain sharpness soon but reiterated that Liverpool will not rush his comeback.