Arne Slot confirms huge Liverpool injury boost ahead of Man City amid Arsenal title race

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed British transfer record signing Alexander Isak is set to return to training today ahead of the crucial Premier League match against Manchester City this weekend. The £125million striker has been absent from Liverpool's last four matches due to a groin problem.

However, after being selected for the latest Sweden squad, Isak could potentially be included in the Liverpool team travelling to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm), which will be the final match before the international break.

During his press conference on Friday morning, Liverpool manager Slot urged patience regarding the forward, while also providing an update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since September 30. He stated: "Isak will train with the team again after three weeks out.

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"I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended so now it's time for us to see where he is. But I have to come back to those words, because if you are three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn't bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago.

"Even though our rehab has done an incredible job, you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team. As much as we try to replicate it, that's simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time."

Liverpool will be missing Alisson and defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni this weekend, reports the Liverpool Echo. However, Slot confirmed his first-choice goalkeeper is set to return for the home match against Nottingham Forest on November 22. Right-back Frimpong will still be out of action, along with centre-back and long-term injury casualty Leoni.

Slot said: "Alisson for sure. And I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well because we play from November until March! But I don't expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest. But with Alisson, we expect this, yes."

Liverpool travel to Manchester City on Sunday, with the Reds currently trailing league leaders Arsenal by seven points. That gap could be extended to 10 points by Saturday, however, with Arsenal facing Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the 5:30pm kick-off.