Liverpool team news vs Man City: Isak back in training as Slot compares Premier League clash to ‘El Clasico’

Liverpool forward Alexander Isak will return to training with the senior team on Friday after a three-week absence ahead of a blockbuster Premier League meeting with Manchester City.

Isak, who joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window for a reported $170 million as a British record signing, has missed Liverpool’s last four games with a groin problem.

That continued Isak’s slow start at Anfield, having spent pre-season training away from Newcastle United’s main squad as he made his case for the move to Liverpool. He scored just one goal in eight games in all competitions for his new club.

«I know I said three weeks ago that his pre-season is over,» said Liverpool manager Arne Slot, «so now it’s time to see where he is.»

Slot said Isak’s latest injury problem has set back the striker’s attempt to regain full focus after a disrupted preseason.

“Again, I have to say: give him some time,” Slot said.

Liverpool started the season with seven straight wins, then lost six of their next seven games due to an unexpected dip in form, but recorded victories against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League in the past week.

READ ALSO | Bellingham and Foden back in the England squad for World Cup qualifiers

Under the circumstances, beating City on Sunday and completing a hat-trick of wins in a nine-day period would be an achievement for Liverpool, who are seven points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race.

Slot classified it as one of the biggest matches in world football, comparable to the ‘clasico’ between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain.

«A very interesting match to look forward to. When I wasn’t working here and in the Netherlands, I knew when City-Liverpool or Liverpool-City was. I can tell you that I was 100% sure I was sitting in front of my television when this match was broadcast,» said the Dutchman. “Just like the ‘clasico’, these are the few games that everyone looks forward to.

“What I like about (city manager) Pep Guardiola’s teams,” Slot added, “is that 10 times out of 10 you get what you hope for: a great game of football, without wasting time or those kinds of things that I’m starting to hate more and more about football.”

Published on November 7, 2025