![\"Alexander](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ARTICLE-BODY-IMAGE-3-13.jpg\")
(Photo by Stu Forster\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nArne Slot has offered a mixed injury update ahead of Sunday\u2019s Premier League showdown at the Etihad.<\/p>\n
Arne Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak will return to training on Friday after three weeks out, but warned supporters not to expect the Swedish forward to be at his best immediately.<\/p>\n
Speaking in his pre-Manchester City press conference, the 47-year-old said: \u201cHe will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that I said three weeks ago, \u2018his pre-season has ended,\u2019 so now it\u2019s time for us to see where he is.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I have to come back to those words because if you\u2019re three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn\u2019t bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough our rehab team is doing an incredible job, you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs much as we try to replicate it, that\u2019s simply not possible. So, again, I have to say, give him some time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Isak set to return but Alisson and Frimpong still sidelined(Photo by Stu Forster\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
The British-record signing has missed the past four games after sustaining a muscular issue in late October.<\/p>\n
His absence has allowed Hugo Ekitike to continue leading the line and the Frenchman has thrived being our solitary central striking option.<\/p>\n
The manager\u2019s message was clear: Isak will need patience and rhythm before he\u2019s ready to challenge his teammate.<\/p>\n
It ties in with what Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Gary Neville discussed recently<\/a> about the striker\u2019s early challenges since joining Liverpool, with Keane insisting: \u201cI still think he\u2019ll come good for him. I think he\u2019ll come good.\u201d<\/p>\n Slot also addressed the situations of Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong, confirming that both are expected to return after the international break.<\/p>\n \u201cAlisson for sure. And I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well because we play from November till March! But I don\u2019t expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n That update will come as a relief after Paul Scholes recently said<\/a> that Liverpool have sorely missed Alisson, arguing that \u201cevery shot seems to be going in\u201d without the Brazilian between the posts.<\/p>\n Reds chasing momentum before international break Sunday\u2019s clash with City offers a huge opportunity for us to move within touching distance of the top of the table.<\/p>\n Liverpool currently sit third with 18 points, just one behind Pep Guardiola\u2019s side.<\/p>\n The meeting comes off the back of a superb 1\u20130 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, a performance in which we looked back to our best \u2013 full of energy, control and defensive discipline.<\/p>\n A repeat of that display could see Slot\u2019s men head into the break firmly in the title race, especially with key players edging back towards full fitness.<\/p>\n You can watch Slot\u2019s injury update via Liverpool FC<\/a> on YouTube:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"Liverpool](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ARTICLE-BODY-IMAGE-2-3.jpg\")
(Photo by Michael Regan\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n