Arne Slot confirms Alexander Isak could be involved for Liverpool in Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford
Liverpool fans were handed another mixed injury update from Arne Slot ahead of the weekend clash with Brentford. The Dutch boss has had to deal with a pile-up of fitness issues lately, and once again, there’s both good and bad news.
Jeremie Frimpong, who was forced off early in Germany, has unfortunately not recovered in time. His hamstring problem looks worse than first feared, meaning he’ll miss not only the Brentford trip but likely next week as well.
It’s a huge blow for the Reds because Frimpong’s attacking energy down the right flank has added a new dimension to their play this season. His pace, overlapping runs, and link-up with Szoboszlai had started to become one of Liverpool’s most dangerous outlets.
Arne Slot confirmed that the right-back’s recovery will take a while, saying, “Jeremie is not in a good place. He’s not going to play tomorrow or next week. Hamstring injury, so that’s going to take a while.”
The Reds will be without the flying full-back for some time, but there was at least one positive from Slot’s latest briefing.
Gravenberch could make his return at Brentford
One of the biggest updates fans wanted to hear about was Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the trip to Frankfurt after picking up a knock in the defeat to Manchester United. The Dutch midfielder has been one of Slot’s most important players this season, and his absence was definitely felt.
Curtis Jones filled in brilliantly alongside Dominik Szoboszlai during the Champions League win, but Gravenberch’s control and drive from midfield give Liverpool a different edge. Fortunately, Slot hinted that he might be back in action sooner than expected.
“The same to be said about Ryan,” Slot said when asked for an update. “He didn’t travel with us. Today we are in again, so let’s see where he is.”
That line suggests Gravenberch has a fighting chance to feature against Brentford, which would be a big boost heading into such a tough away game.
update on Alisson and Isak
Slot also shared more news on Alexander Isak and Alisson Becker. The striker remains a doubt but is improving, while Alisson’s hamstring issue will still keep him out for a bit longer.
“Alex, not too bad, question mark for the weekend so let’s see where he is,” Slot said. “Alisson will not be in the squad for tomorrow, that’s also going to take a bit longer.”
Thankfully, no new names were added to the injury list, which is about as positive as it gets for Liverpool right now. Giovanni Leoni remains the only long-term absentee, alongside the recovering Frimpong and Alisson.
Slot will be hoping Gravenberch can return to help steady things in midfield and that Isak can shake off his problem too. Because if both of them make it, Liverpool will have a much stronger chance of ending their tough run and getting their season back on track.