Liverpool receive a major boost ahead of the FA Cup tie with Manchester City, as Alexander Isak is set to resume full training on Thursday and Mohamed Salah is expected to be available, easing some pressure on Arne Slot after a difficult period with injuries across the squad.
Isak, described as Liverpool’s British record signing, has been absent since 20 December, when a broken ankle and fibula occurred as Isak scored against Tottenham. The Sweden forward needed surgery and has not featured in any match since that incident, leaving Liverpool short of options in central attack.
Arne Slot explained that Isak will rejoin team training this week, though an immediate start is unlikely, and stressed that having Isak fit for the final two months of the season
should still be crucial. Slot also pointed to Isak’s positive mood after Sweden reached the World Cup finals. "To have him again in a team that's usually generating quite a lot chances and maybe not immediately from the first moment that he can start but to have him back for the last two months is, I think, very helpful for us, Slot told Liverpool's official media channels. Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cupand apart from that he's going to train with the group again for the first time. "
Alexander Isak is set to return to team training on Thursday, Arne Slot has confirmedLiverpool FC (@LFC) April 1, 2026
Before the injury, Isak managed three goals in 16 Liverpool appearances, and Slot now hopes the striker’s presence will add cutting edge against Manchester City. Slot also praised Salah’s attitude after injury concerns, repeating Salah’s response to the medical doubts. "Another example of what makes him special because the moment he got injured there was a bit of a situation where they thought, 'I don't think he's available for City. ' But Mo looked at me and said, 'I think I will be available for City', Slot said.
Salah missed Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton before the international window, but Slot expects Salah to feature against Manchester City on Saturday. Salah has already stated that this will be Salah’s final season at Liverpool, yet Salah remains central to Slot’s plans for the rest of the campaign.
Several other Liverpool players still face fitness questions. Jeremie Frimpong requires further assessment after an injury with the Netherlands national team, Federico Chiesa is viewed as a possible returnee, while goalkeeper Alisson continues on the sidelines and will not be involved. The current situation can be summarised as follows:
| Player | Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Isak | Broken ankle and fibula | Back in team training Thursday |
| Mohamed Salah | Recent injury, missed Brighton match | Expected to face Manchester City |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Injury on Netherlands duty | Needs assessment |
| Federico Chiesa | Fitness concern | Slot hopeful of availability |
| Alisson | Ongoing injury | Remains unavailable |
With Isak nearing a return, Salah targeting involvement against Manchester City, and several other players edging towards fitness, Liverpool approach the season’s closing stretch with more attacking choices, although the continued absence of Alisson and doubts over Frimpong and Chiesa still shape Slot’s selection options.
