NewsArne Slot explains Alexander Isak absence for Man City v Liverpool

Isak resumed team training on Thursday after a three-and-a-half-month injury lay-off and Slot said on Friday his No.9 may be able to be on the Reds’ bench against Manchester City.

However, the striker was not available at Etihad Stadium and Slot is now hopeful of Isak being back for Wednesday’s Champions League last-eight first leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

The head coach told TNT Sports: “I was hoping the same [that Isak would be among the substitutes on Saturday], but you always do these things in co-operation with medical staff, performance staff and the player himself.

“We came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions than only one or two and then immediately jump into a game like this, where if you bring him in there might be extra-time.

“The situation is now that I hope – again I hope – that he will be available for Wednesday, but today came too early for him.”