Alexander Isak returns to Liverpool’s squad for PSG clash but will not start, offering a boost ahead of key Champions League tie.
Liverpool have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Forward Alexander Isak has travelled with the squad but will not start the first leg.
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the striker is fit enough to feature in some capacity. However, he is still building match sharpness after a long injury layoff.
Isak has not played since December after suffering a serious ankle injury and fibula fracture. The setback came during a 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier in the season. The Swedish forward returned to full training last week. He has now completed close to a week of sessions with the first team.
Slot explained that caution remains necessary. He believes Isak can contribute but is not yet ready to start at the Parc des Princes.
Slot made it clear that including Isak in the squad signals growing confidence in his fitness. The Dutch coach left him out of the recent FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. This time, the situation is different. Liverpool’s medical staff and coaching team believe he can offer something from the bench.
Slot said the striker would not have travelled otherwise. The plan is to reintroduce him gradually in a high intensity environment.
Liverpool arrive in Paris under pressure after inconsistent domestic form. They sit fifth in the Premier League and have struggled for rhythm in recent weeks. The heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup added to that pressure. Slot, however, pointed to positive signs in the opening stages of that match.
He believes his side can compete with Europe’s elite. PSG, alongside City, are viewed as one of the strongest teams in open play.
The tie represents a rematch of last season’s knockout meeting. PSG advanced on penalties after a tightly contested two-legged affair. Liverpool will look to key players for inspiration. Alisson Becker remains vital, especially after his heroics in last year’s clash in Paris.
Florian Wirtz has shown flashes of quality this season. He has contributed six goals and nine assists in all competitions. Isak’s potential cameo could also be decisive. His presence offers a different attacking option late in the game.
Both teams rank among the most attacking sides in the Champions League this season. PSG have registered 90 shots on target, while Liverpool have 85. There is a clear difference in efficiency. PSG have scored 34 goals from 25.2 expected goals, outperforming their chances.
Liverpool, in contrast, have scored 24 goals from 27.7 expected goals. That underperformance highlights their struggles in front of goal. Isak’s return could help address that issue. Even limited minutes may provide a needed cutting edge.
The first leg in Paris is only part of a crucial two-game battle. Liverpool will aim to secure a positive result before the return fixture at Anfield. Slot remains confident despite recent setbacks. He believes his team can rise in difficult moments, as they have done in the past.
With Isak back in the fold, Liverpool gain an important boost. How they use him could prove decisive in their European campaign. The Reds host Fulham when they return to Premier League action this weekend before welcoming PSG to Anfield mid next week for the return leg.
