Arne Slot Confirms Alexander Isak Will Be Fit for Liverpool's Champions League Quarter-Final Against PSG
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a significant boost to the club's European ambitions by confirming that record signing Alexander Isak will be available for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The £125 million striker has been sidelined since December with a fractured leg but is on track to feature when Liverpool travel to the Parc des Princes on 8 April.
Isak's Road to Recovery and Limited Role
Isak, who has not played since 20 December and has yet to resume full training, will not be ready to start after nearly four months out. However, Slot expects to use him as an option from the bench. "He will be available," said Slot. "The question is what you mean by 'ready'. If you want to have the player who played exactly a year ago against us in the Carabao Cup final, and was too good for us on that day, then I would tell you I have my doubts about that after months out. But I expect I can use him for minutes."
Slot added that Isak's integration will be gradual, noting the striker hasn't trained with the team yet. "Exactly what I get from that I cannot tell you because he hasn't trained with the team even once. You don't after one training session play 45 minutes or 90 minutes."
Salah and Alisson Sidelined for Brighton Clash
In less positive news, Slot confirmed that Mohamed Salah and goalkeeper Alisson will miss Saturday's Premier League match at Brighton due to muscle injuries. Salah was substituted during Wednesday's win over Galatasaray after feeling a muscle problem, which will keep him out for a few weeks. Slot did not specify a timeframe but confirmed Salah will miss the Brighton game and Egypt's upcoming international friendlies.
"History has shown he can be back earlier than others because he takes such good care of his body," said Slot. Alisson has also withdrawn from the Brazil squad for the international break, with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to deputise in goal against Brighton.
Slot's Optimism for Isak's Impact
Despite Isak's limited readiness, Slot expressed excitement about his return, highlighting the striker's potential to influence Liverpool's season. "I am just as excited as the fans to have him back because it is fair to say that in 90% of our games we've had more chances than the other team," said Slot. "If we had one of the best strikers in the world playing then that would have usually meant that we would have had more points."
Slot tempered expectations, however, suggesting Isak's full impact might be felt next season. "I don't want to downgrade it too much because I think he can have an impact when he is back, but it is more realistic to expect [100%] from him next season than against Manchester City [in the FA Cup] or PSG."
Liverpool Condemn Racist Abuse Aimed at Ibrahima Konaté
In a separate development, Liverpool have issued a strong statement condemning the "vile and abhorrent racist abuse" directed at defender Ibrahima Konaté following the win over Galatasaray. The abuse included racist comments, references to the recent death of his father, and remarks about teammate Diogo Jota, related to an incident that left Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen with a fractured arm.
The club criticised social media companies for failing to prevent such abuse. "This behaviour is utterly unacceptable. It is dehumanising, cowardly and rooted in hate," read the statement. "Social media companies must take responsibility and act now. These platforms have the power, the technology and the resources to prevent this abuse, yet too often they fail to do so."
Liverpool pledged to support Konaté and work with authorities but emphasised that the burden should not fall solely on players and clubs. "The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. It must be confronted, challenged and eradicated – not tomorrow, but now."
