7 hours ago
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Alexander Isak's frustrating start to life at Liverpool will continue this week as the British record signing has been ruled out of Tuesday's clash with Real Madrid and is in a race against time to be fit to face Manchester City at the weekend.
The £125million man has scored just one goal since his much-slated move to Merseyside but has been irked by fitness concerns exacerbated by a recent groin injury.
And ahead of a titanic tussle between English champions Liverpool and 15-time kings of Europe Real Madrid, Slot says Isak is not fit - and is up against it to be on the bench at the Etihad Stadium.
Asked for updates on Isak, Jeremie Frimpong and Alisson, boss Slot said: 'All three are unavailable for tomorrow. Jeremie and Alisson will both be unavailable for Sunday.
'With Alex, we have to wait and see. Definitely not starting on Sunday but maybe involved in the squad. He is still not training with the team so we have to wait and see.'
Isak has missed the last three games after limping off at half-time in a win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Liverpool had one dose of good injury news, though, with Curtis Jones returning to team training ahead of the Madrid clash.
Alexander Isak has been ruled out of Liverpool's clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday night
Isak suffered a groin injury against Eintracht Frankfurt last month and is still yet to train
For Reds manager Arne Slot, it'll be a race against time for Isak to be fit for Man City on Sunday
A couple of familiar faces will be back in town, such as Real boss Xabi Alonso but also former vice-captain and fan favourite Trent Alexander-Arnold, the local lad who left Liverpool for £10million in the summer.
Fans may give Alexander-Arnold a hostile welcome given the circumstances around his exit and that he turned his back on his boyhood club – but Slot will be welcoming the right back with open arms, despite the fact he is unlikely to play due to recent injuries.
'I can only tell you what kind of reception he will get from me,' said Slot when asked on potential boos from fans. 'I have great memories of the player and the human being.
'He was my vice-captain last season and I have memories of working with him which were only positive and have memories from watching him on television which were only positive as well – I can remember multiple great moments of his in a Liverpool shirt.
'He will get a warm welcome from me. Let's first wait and see if he is on the pitch tomorrow. With the fans, I have no clue how that's going to be but he gets a warm welcome from me, that's for sure.'
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch added: 'From the fans I don't know. When I see him, he is a friend so I will give him a hug.'
