MatchLiverpool v Chelsea: Team news

The Reds host the 12.30pm BST kick-off at Anfield on Saturday.

A minor injury prevented Isak from being involved in the defeat against Manchester United last Sunday, but the striker has returned to training in the build-up to facing the Blues.

Goalkeeper Mamardashvili was also scheduled to resume training on Friday, having missed the past two games due to a leg wound.

Head coach Arne Slot told the media on the eve of the fixture: “Alex trains with us again, only yesterday for the first time. So that’s a positive.

“Yesterday he did parts of it, so hopefully he can do parts – or everything – today and let’s then see how much we’re going to use him tomorrow.

“Giorgi will train with us today for the first time so let’s see how he’s going to react.”

Slot also allayed concerns regarding Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz after they were absent from a session earlier in the week.

The Dutchman said: “Ibou had a personal reason not to be there, but he was there yesterday and today again.

“And Florian was a bit unwell but he trained with us yesterday also.”

Liverpool will continue to be without Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah, however, with neither yet back in training.

Long-term absentees within the squad are Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni.

Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane provided mixed news on the fitness front when he spoke to the media.

Defenders Levi Colwill and Reece James are in contention to face the Reds.

The former played a half in the Blues’ 3-1 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Monday, for which the latter was an unused substitute.

“We’ve got a few lads returning. Levi has trained another full week again, Reece as well. So, looking promising,” said McFarlane on Thursday. “We’ve still got another session. They both trained fully today. We’re hopeful.”

Elsewhere, though, Jesse Derry and Robert Sanchez will be absent for the trip to Merseyside due to head injuries sustained versus Forest.

Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto are also doubtful, with McFarlane saying the pair “are carrying knocks so it’s looking unlikely they’re going to be available”.

Estevao has already been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign and Jamie Gittens is sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Last match

Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool (May 3): Woodman, Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo.

Chelsea 1-3 Nottingham Forest (May 4): Sanchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Palmer, Fernandez, Derry, Joao Pedro.