Alexander Isak boost for Liverpool as Arne Slot calms injury concerns ahead of Chelsea clash

The Swedish striker missed last weekend's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United but has rejoined first-team training and could now feature at Anfield as Liverpool look to take a decisive step towards Champions League qualification.

"Alex trained with us again yesterday for the first time," Slot said. "He did parts of it, hopefully he can do parts or everything today and we see how much we are going to use him tomorrow."

While Isak's return is a major lift, Liverpool are still managing several fitness concerns. Mohamed Salah and goalkeeper Alisson Becker both remain sidelined with muscle and hamstring issues respectively, although there is optimism they are nearing a return. In a surprise development, Giorgi Mamardashvili has rejoined training sooner than expected after recovering from a head injury setback, offering Slot an additional goalkeeping option.

"Alisson not yet, hasn't trained with us yet but very close," Slot explained. "Giorgi Mamardashvili will train with us today for the first time, so let's see how he is going to react. Mo also hasn't trained with us yet but is also getting very, very close."

There was further reassurance over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz, both of whom had missed training earlier in the week but are expected to be available for selection against Chelsea.

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

Liverpool head into the clash knowing that victory would all but secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, with just a small number of points required from their final three games. However, Slot acknowledged that even a strong finish may not be enough to change the broader perception of a disappointing season.

"This season has gone in a way that even if we have three wins and positive performances, I don't think everyone will still be positive about how the season has been," he admitted. "Three wins won't silence the criticism. Therefore we need to have a much longer run of results and performances."

Despite that, the Dutchman stressed the importance of focusing on the immediate task, with Chelsea arriving at Anfield under interim management and struggling for form after a run of consecutive league defeats.

"It's important we get at least one win over the line which might be enough," Slot said. "We are trying to do it in the best possible way, performance-wise, which not always happens. The focus is on three more games."

Liverpool's clash with Chelsea is followed by trips to Aston Villa and a home fixture against Brentford as they look to close out the campaign and secure European football for next season.

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