Liverpool: Arne Slot explains latest Alexander Isak injury amid double fitness blow

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Evening Standard

·15 maggio 2026

Liverpool: Arne Slot explains latest Alexander Isak injury amid double fitness blow

Reds’ awful luck continues into penultimate matchday

Liverpool’s dreadful injury luck persists into the late stages of the Premier League season as Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong were both left out of the squad visiting Aston Villa on Friday night.

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Both Isak and Frimpong have endured injury-hit campaigns since signing last summer from Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.

The Swedish striker Isak arrived at the club lacking match fitness and suffered a variety of niggles in the early stages of the season before breaking his leg in January, while Frimpong has been dealing with persistent hamstring problems.

Speaking ahead of facing Villa in a crunch fixture in the race to qualify for the Champions League, Slot said Liverpool are choosing to be cautious with Isak after his difficult season.

“Indeed, Alex is out – minor injury,” he explained. “I think it’s something we all understand, if you miss pre-season, if you then have a broken leg, when you are coming back we’ve been really careful with him.

“But, of course, Hugo Ekitike was injured. And then it’s not a surprise I think that you can pick up minor injuries like this.”

Frimpong is thought to be in the same boat as Isak, with a minor injury.

Slot continued, bemoaning Liverpool’s dreadful luck but acknowledged he was pleased to have both Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz back in the fold after both were considered doubts for this match.

“I don’t think it can come as a surprise to anyone,” he said. “Today we miss nine players that can start a game of football. The good thing is that Florian is on the bench, Mo is on the bench. Both not able to start.”