Liverpool have been handed an untimely concern ahead of Real Madrid. Record signing Alexander Isak was absent from training, raising fresh doubts over his availability for Tuesday’s Champions League tie.
The Sweden international has managed only a handful of minutes since arriving from Newcastle on Deadline Day for £125million, potentially rising to £130m. He felt groin discomfort against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22, went off at half-time, and has since missed three straight games. His latest absence comes just as momentum is building again in Europe.
Manager Arne Slot is juggling form and fitness. Liverpool thumped Frankfurt 5-1 last time out in the league phase, but they also know how small the margins can be after a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray. The visit of Real Madrid demands clarity on the No.9 picture—and a smart rotation plan with Manchester City looming at the weekend.
Alexander Isak injury update
Isak’s situation is straightforward yet frustrating. He is still managing the groin issue sustained versus Frankfurt and has not trained fully since, which explains his three-match absence across competitions. Missing Monday’s session narrows the window for any late push to be involved against Real Madrid. For a forward still bedding in after a record move, the stop-start rhythm is far from ideal.
Liverpool’s staff will weigh risk against reward. Even a bench role requires confidence that the problem has settled. Until that happens, the load stays low and the decision stays conservative.
Arne Slot explains pre-season fitness dilemma
Slot has been transparent about the challenge. “He had to do his pre-season inside the season,” the head coach said, noting that game time is part of the solution as well as the risk. If he does not play Isak, he risks not having him available; if he does, the minutes must be managed. Slot even referenced a comparison made on television between Isak and Hugo Ekitike to underline the volume of games England’s calendar demands.
The message is measured. Build fitness through controlled exposure, avoid setbacks, and keep the squad balanced as fixtures stack up.
Curtis Jones returns to training
There was one positive on Monday. Curtis Jones took part after missing the defeat to Crystal Palace and the win over Aston Villa with a knock picked up at Brentford. His return adds energy and control to the midfield pool just when Slot needs options.
Jones’s availability also offers tactical variety. He can drop in to stabilise build-up or push higher to connect with the front line if Liverpool are forced to reshuffle their attacking plan again.
How Liverpool may adjust for Real Madrid
Slot could freshen the XI with schedule management in mind. Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez are pushing for recalls after starting on the bench against Villa, while the staff consider short-term solutions at centre-forward if Isak is not ready. The Reds opened this campaign by beating Atletico Madrid before that narrow setback in Istanbul; they responded with five against Frankfurt. The brief now is simple: keep control, protect legs, and turn pressure into points.
All eyes will be on the final session and the squad list. If Isak sits out again, Liverpool must lean on their structure and set the tone without their marquee striker. With Real Madrid in midweek and Manchester City at the weekend, the balance between caution and ambition will define a pivotal week.
