Alexander Isak fitness update emerges ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea on Saturday

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool’s injury list has made the final weeks of the season feel more awkward than they should have been, particularly in attack.

Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike have all had fitness concerns, leaving Arne Slot short of rhythm and options in the final third.

There is at least some positive news before Chelsea visit Anfield on Saturday, with Isak now expected to be available again. The game itself is not loaded with jeopardy, with Liverpool comfortable in the top five and not close enough to third to create real drama.

Ekitike vs Pedro! 🥊 Who has had the best debut season at their new clubs?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

Still, getting Isak back would be a major boost as Slot looks to end the season with some momentum.

Alexander Isak expected to be available vs Chelsea

Liverpool lacked a natural central presence against Manchester United, and that absence was obvious in the way their attack struggled to connect.

Isak’s return should change that, even if it is still unclear whether he will be ready to start.

Speaking to Anfield Index, Lewis Steele offered an encouraging update on the striker’s fitness.

“I think that Isak should be back for Saturday. I would say so.

“I think it was one of them where if it was a Champions League final on Sunday just gone or you know a big, big game I think he would have been fit. And I think you could probably have said the same for Alison. So I would expect both to be back for Saturday.”

That makes the situation look far better than it did a few days ago.

Isak may still have to settle for a place on the bench, particularly given the stop-start nature of his season and the need to avoid another setback. But even a controlled role against Chelsea would give Liverpool something they lacked at Old Trafford.

Slot’s side need a focal point who can occupy centre-backs, link play and give the wide players more space to attack.

Chelsea’s defence has looked massively vulnerable lately, so this could be a useful opportunity for the Swede to find some Anfield rhythm before the campaign ends.

• READ MORE: Michael Owen makes worrying Alexander Isak prediction after returning from injury