Liverpool handed triple fitness boost with stars set for return

Despite suffering a significant 3-0 defeat against Manchester City that further derailed their Premier League title defence, Liverpool has received a timely boost with key players nearing their return from injury.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Alexander Isak are expected to be available shortly after the forthcoming international break.

​Manager Arne Slot confirmed the imminent return of his first-choice goalkeeper, who has been sidelined with a thigh injury. Slot stated on Friday:

“Alisson for sure [will be back] after the international break… we expect this.” Alisson is currently pencilled in for the fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, November 22.

​Striker Alexander Isak returned to the matchday squad against City but remained an unused substitute. The forward has been struggling with a groin injury, and Slot indicated a cautious approach will be taken to his integration back into the starting lineup.

“He will train with the team for the first time today after being three weeks out. I know I said three weeks ago his pre-season was ended, so now we have to see where he is,” Slot explained, adding a note of caution: “I have to say give him some time.”

​Defender Jeremie Frimpong is also nearing a recovery from his second hamstring injury of the season but is expected to be phased in slightly slower than Alisson. Slot offered an update on the defender:

“I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well… But I don’t expect Jeremie to be fully fit [to face Nottingham] Forest.” Frimpong is more likely to feature against West Ham United on Sunday, November 30.

​In less positive news, the club confirmed that 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni has sustained a severe ACL injury on his debut and is expected to be sidelined for approximately one year, with Slot commenting:

“He’s not in a good place, of course. He tore his ACL which means that he will be out for around a year.”