Alexander Isak absence vs Man City explained as Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaks
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAlexander IsakAlexander Isak has been left out of Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Manchester City, despite head coach Arne Slot suggesting that the Sweden international could return this weekendLiverpool forward Alexander Isak has been left out of the matchday squad for today's FA Cup clash with Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been left out of the matchday squad for the FA Cup quarterfinal with Manchester City on Saturday, with head coach Arne Slot claiming the game "came too early for him."The Sweden international, 26, had been expected to be named on the substitutes bench for the trip to the Etihad Stadium after returning to training this week, as he steps up his recovery from a long-term injury.Isak has been sidelined since December after undergoing surgery for an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture, sustained as he scored during a Premier League win at Tottenham.READ MORE: Liverpool team vs Man City confirmed as Mohamed Salah and Joe Gomez decisions madeREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher gives Liverpool Champions League hope with 'unbelievable' wishHowever, it was soon revealed on Saturday that the former Newcastle forward would play no part in Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Man City, having been left out of the 18-man matchday squad.Slot has since revealed that the decision was taken following consultations "with the medical staff and the player," although he remains hopeful that Isak will be available for Wednesday's crunch Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain."I was hoping the same (that he would be available), but you do these things with the medical staff and the player, and we came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions before bringing him in," Slot told TNT Sports.Isak made his return to first-team training this week, but will play no part against Man City on Saturday(Image: Getty Images)"I hope that he will be available for Wednesday, but today came too early for him."Hugo Ekitike will instead lead the line for Liverpool in Isak's absence, with Slot describing the Frenchman's return as a "big boost," while Mohamed Salah also starts after recovering from the knock that ruled him out of the Reds' last outing at Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break.Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones have also been named in the starting line-up at Etihad Stadium as Slot makes three changes in total."You assume I have picked my team for Wednesday and Saturday, which I haven't. We go game by game," Slot said of his latest team selection, as Liverpool continues to battle on three fronts."We have some players, is Mo able to play 90 or maybe 120 if we go to extra-time?
That is something not new to us this season, but it's only a good problem to have. We play many games, which means we are in many competitions."Saturday's game marks Salah's first appearance since he announced that he would be leaving the club after almost a decade this summer.When asked if Liverpool fans can expect to see the best of the Egyptian between now and the end of the season, Slot said: "I would love that to happen because it is such a vital part of the season."The team has to play well, and then the individual will shine.
Mo was injured in the last game against Brighton. He worked really hard to be back today."Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Alexander IsakLiverpool FCArne SlotManchester City FCFA Cup