Edge of Glory: Liverpool Ready to Face Real Madrid Without Isaac

Izak Out for Real Madrid Clash

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that forward Alexander Isaac will miss the upcoming UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid due to a thigh injury. Isaac has been sidelined for the last three games and faces a tough path to return in time for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester City. The young striker, pursued as Liverpool's most expensive signing, has endured a troublesome spell with his thigh and will not feature against Madrid.

Injury Woes Extend to Key Reds

In addition to Isaac, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong will also be unavailable due to hamstring injuries sustained during the international break. Slot explained at a press conference that Isaac, Alisson, and Frimpong will not feature in the Madrid match, and Isaac is unlikely to start against City on the weekend since he has not trained with the squad yet.

Defensive Stabilization and Midfield Options

Florian Wirtz is the odds-on favorite to return to the starting lineup if Slot makes changes, having started only one of the last four league games but starting all three Champions League matches so far this season. Slot noted the brutal schedule—three games in seven days with limited rest—a test for a player arriving from a different league, which is very good but markedly tougher in the English Premier League.

“He has already played a lot of games, but the results haven’t always gone his way, either for him or his teammates,” Slot said. “For me, he has delivered exactly what I expected.” He added: “He’s producing for the team and will reach his targets. It’s not surprising for a 22-year-old to move to a different league.”

“He might need some time to adapt to this intensity if he plays every three days,” Slot added. “If Ryan Gravenberch were here, perhaps it would take longer for him to adapt, maybe longer than for Florian.”

Return of the Reds and a Test of Character

Slot’s risk against Aston Villa paid off as Liverpool clinched a 2-0 victory, restoring balance and sparking renewed belief among the Anfield faithful. The crowd’s reaction at the final whistle, including chants for Slot, underscored the trust building in the manager and his squad as they begin to resemble the team fans remember from the Klopp era. The decisive second-half goal by Ryan Gravenberch reinforced that sense of momentum.

Midway through the first half, Dominik Szoboszlai squandered a golden opportunity, but the supporters’ response—loud support for the manager and players—helped lift the team. A banner reading “Unity is Strength” captured the mood Slot described: “When a club goes through a tough spell and you see this support, you know you’re in a special place. The fans never forget who works for them. They stand by the team when times are hard.”

Defensive Improvements and Offensive Confidence

The improvement in defense has come with a return to a more solid shape, as Andy Robertson enjoyed his first 90 minutes in the Premier League in a long while, providing balance and helping Liverpool keep a clean sheet for the first time in 11 matches. Opta's stats showed Villa failed to create a meaningful chance, recording an expected goals figure of just 0.41.

Van Dijk and Konate appeared more solid with Robertson beside them, while Conor Bradley came into form after a stuttering start, signaling his return to peak fitness. Gravenberch’s presence allowed the midfield to press and win the ball consistently, while Szoboszlai continued to grow into a central role alongside Salah and the rest of the attack.

Szoboszlai’s all-around performance has continued to improve Liverpool’s chances, and Salah’s form was a highlight. The Egyptian produced perhaps his best display of the season, scoring again and delivering constant threat, including a landmark 250th goal for the club, making him the third player in Liverpool’s history to reach that tally behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. Slot described Salah’s contribution as extraordinary and noted that his leadership and defensive help were equally valuable.

Hugo Ekitike also showed intensity in pressing and willingness to work without the ball, reinforcing Liverpool’s collective approach. As the stadium faded to the tune of a Bob Marley chorus—Three Little Birds—the mood turned hopeful again, echoing the optimism of Liverpool’s best days under Klopp.

Looking ahead, Liverpool head into a decisive period with Real Madrid in the Champions League and a domestic test versus Manchester City. Slot’s confidence in his players is evident, with a squad that now looks more coherent and capable of turning a moment into momentum.

Ultimately, Slot’s plan seems to hinge on cohesion: tighter defense, sharper pressing, and a goal threat that can produce results against elite opposition. The next two fixtures will show whether this Liverpool can convert a single win into a sustained challenge for glory.

Punchline time: If strategy were a sniper, Slot’s shots would always hit the target—usually a tidy clean sheet. Punchline 2: Salah’s goals are so well-timed, even his timing feels like a rehearsed stand-up routine—perfect delivery, every time.