- Liverpool will play Brentford at Anfield on Sunday, needing a positive result to guarantee Champions League football for next year.
- Alisson returns to full training amidst exit rumours.
- Alexander Isak will train partially while preparing for the World Cup.
Arne Slot has handed Liverpool a massive double injury boost ahead of Sunday’s season finale against Brentford, revealing that both Alisson Becker and Alexander Isak are in line for a return.
The Reds welcome Keith Andrews side to Anfield for the final match of the Premier League campaign, knowing a victory could secure a fourth-place finish. And speaking in his final pre-match press conference of the season at the AXA Training Centre, Slot offered a highly encouraging update on his squad’s fitness following a grueling few months on the medical front.
The team are preparing for their final match of the season against Brentford. The Reds need a point from the final game to guarentee Champions League football.
“We would like to give our fans a nice way to finish the season.”
Fitness updates on Alisson and Isak
Goalkeeper Alisson has been sidelined for the last 10 matches after picking up a troublesome hamstring injury in March.In his absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili has deputized, but the Brazilian No.1 looks primed to put himself back in contention for the final weekend
Addressing the media on Friday morning, Slot confirmed that the shot-stopper has made significant progress over the last week.
“Ali has trained with us,” Slot said. “We have been very careful with him because a hamstring injury for a goalkeeper is always delicate when it comes to kicking, but he has looked good. We will make a final decision after tomorrow’s session, but the signs are very positive.”
Liverpool have also been boosted by the news that British-record signing Alexander Isak could play a part on Sunday.
The £125m striker, who has endured a highly disrupted first season on Merseyside after suffering a broken leg in December, sat out last Friday’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa with a minor muscle complaint.
With Hugo Ekitike missing long-term following Achilles surgery, Isak’s potential return provides a massive lift to an attacking line that has looked stretched in recent weeks. Slot explained that the caution taken with the Sweden international last week looks to have paid off.
“With Alex, we said last week there was a chance,” the Dutchman explained. “When you miss pre-season and then have a major injury like a broken leg, minor muscle issues are normal when you step back into the intensity of the Premier League.”
“We didn’t want to take a risk at Villa, but he has been able to do parts of training this week. I expect him to be involved if he comes through tomorrow without any issues. It is a big boost for us because we have lacked options up front.”
Slot added, “Alex (Isak) trains for the first time with us today, parts of what we are going to do.”
“To a certain extent, both positive.”
When asked more about team selection due to it being the final games for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, the manager said.
“I never say anything about team selection, so it would be a surprise to you if I did that now.”
Slot will be desperate to sign off his maiden campaign with three points to seal a top-five finish, and having two of his major stars back on the team sheet will significantly aid that cause against the Bees.
