Liverpool have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their Premier League trip to Old Trafford, with star striker Alexander Isak ruled out through injury.
The Sweden international sustained a groin strain during a training session this week, according to reports from The Sun and other sources. He is expected to miss Sunday’s crucial clash against Manchester United, leaving manager Arne Slot without a recognised senior striker for the fixture.
Isak joined Liverpool in a British-record transfer from Newcastle United last summer, with the deal reportedly worth around £125-130 million. However, his debut season at Anfield has been plagued by fitness problems. He suffered a serious ankle and fibula fracture in December 2025 following a challenge during a match against Tottenham Hotspur, which required surgery and sidelined him for several months. Although he had recently begun easing back into first-team action, this latest issue represents another frustrating interruption.
Compounding the problem is the long-term absence of fellow striker Hugo Ekitike. The summer signing ruptured his Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain last month and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, with some estimates suggesting he could miss up to a year of action.
With Mohamed Salah also managing a hamstring concern in recent weeks, Slot faces a major selection dilemma. The Dutch coach may be forced to improvise, potentially deploying Cody Gakpo in a central role or shifting attacking players like Federico Chiesa into more advanced positions. Such adjustments come at a critical stage of the campaign as Liverpool seek to maintain their standing in the Premier League table.
The timing of Isak’s latest setback is particularly unwelcome. The 26-year-old had shown signs of returning to full sharpness after his prolonged recovery, but groin strains can often require 1-2 weeks or more of careful management to avoid aggravating the issue.
Liverpool fans will hope for a swift resolution and positive news on the fitness front in the coming days. For now, attention turns to how Slot’s depleted squad can rise to the challenge at Old Trafford against a Manchester United side looking to exploit any vulnerabilities.
This latest blow highlights the fine margins in elite football, where squad depth and injury luck can heavily influence results in high-stakes fixtures. Updates on Isak’s recovery and the team’s lineup are expected in the build-up to the match.
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