Alexander Isak injury update as Liverpool boosted by surprise returnee for Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Two players set to return to face the Blues as others edge closer to fitness

Liverpool have been handed a surprise double injury boost as the Reds look to wrap up Champions League qualification.

Defeat to Manchester United last time out proved not as damaging as first feared, with top-five rivals Aston Villa also losing.

It leaves Liverpool needing just four points from their final three games to secure a place at Europe's top table next season, though three may be enough depending on goal difference.

That loss at Old Trafford was without striker Alexander Isak and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, and both are in line to return this weekend.

Alexander Isak is back to face Chelsea

Isak has shaken off a minor injury ahead of Saturday's visit of Chelsea, but Mamardashvili was not expected to recover from a cut sustained against Everton for another week.

"Alex trained with us again yesterday for the first time. All good," Slot told reporters on Friday.

"He did parts of it, hopefully he can do parts or everything today and we see how much we are going to use him."

First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and star man Mohamed Salah remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Florian Wirtz has been passed fit after a short illness.

Slot continued: "Alisson [is] not yet, Giorgi today for first time. Mo is very very close like Ali.

"Ibou [Konate] had a personal reason for not training on Wednesday but was [training] yesterday and today, and Florian was a bit unwell but trained yesterday as well."