Slot Eyes Isak as Impact Option Against City in FA Cup Showdown

Arne Slot has indicated Alexander Isak may play a limited role from the bench as Liverpool take on Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final, with the striker having just returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old has been absent since late December, when he suffered a broken leg during Liverpool's 2-1 win over Tottenham—a match in which he netted only his second Premier League goal for the club. The controversial £125m acquisition from Newcastle last summer has managed just six league starts in his inaugural campaign at Anfield, having forced through the transfer after initially resisting the move.

Isak's return to the training ground came during the international break, with the Swede having helped his country secure World Cup qualification. However, Slot stopped short of throwing him straight back into the fray.

"It would be too premature to consider him for the starting XI," Slot explained at his pre-match briefing. "He's only just returned to training after 101 days out, so we'll need to build him up gradually rather than pile on the minutes immediately. That said, it's beneficial having him available on the pitch."

Regarding potential involvement against City, the Liverpool boss acknowledged the peculiar challenge posed by cup football. "It's tricky because this isn't your typical fixture—extra time is a possibility, which complicates matters if he can only manage 10 minutes. We might introduce him for a brief spell, though let's see how he responds to today's sessions. After 100 days away, asking him to hit the ground running against Premier League and Champions League intensity is unrealistic."

Slot praised the rehabilitation work undertaken during Isak's recovery. "The medical team have done excellent work. I'm seeing a player who's in a much better physical state, but there's a sizeable gap between recovery and match fitness at this level. Still, having a proper number nine available again—whether alongside Hugo or replacing him—is a genuine positive."

The manager emphasised the importance of Isak's availability to Liverpool's attacking arsenal. "We've found it difficult securing leads this season, and that's something we need to address. Getting in front changes everything tactically. Goals win matches, and having Alex back in the mix is a significant boost. Once he's had proper pre-season work under his belt, we should see even more from him."