Liverpool rely on record signings Isak and Wirtz amid Salah injury
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is relying on record acquisitions Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to lead the attack as his side face Manchester United without the injured Mohamed Salah.
The Egyptian winger sustained a minor muscle problem during last Saturday’s victory over Crystal Palace.
While Slot confirmed the talismanic forward will return before the end of the season, he is unavailable for the crucial trip to Old Trafford.
The prolific attacker boasts a formidable record against Sunday’s opponents, having netted 13 goals in 16 appearances against them.
Record signings must justify price tags
The absence of the club’s top scorer shifts immediate focus onto a duo who arrived for a combined £241m.
Both attackers found the net against Palace, but neither has fully cemented their status on Merseyside.
Slot knows his tenure will be heavily judged on his ability to integrate the two most expensive acquisitions in English top-flight history.
Finding form after Champions League exit
The Anfield club recently suffered a disappointing Champions League elimination at the hands of Paris St-Germain.
Despite the European exit, the Dutch manager insists the future remains exceptionally bright for his squad.
That optimism faces a stern test over the next fortnight with challenging fixtures against United, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
The young German playmaker is yet to register a goal or assist against a top-tier domestic rival this term.
However, his manager dismissed this statistic as a mere coincidence.
I am 100% sure he will start delivering in the bigger games.
Slot told reporters during his pre-match press conference.
Isak seeking vital match fitness
The Swedish international striker is yet to complete a full 90 minutes since joining the six-time European champions.
His debut campaign has been severely disrupted by persistent fitness issues.
The 26-year-old managed only 18 touches against Palace, though this marked a slight improvement from his isolated outings against Everton and PSG.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes consistent game time is the key to unlocking the frontman’s true potential.
In terms of what I’ve seen, everyone knows and sees and experiences as team-mates how outstanding he is.
The Dutch centre-back explained.
It is about getting games, confidence but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that’s the main trigger for him.
Getting the lightning-fast forward onto the ball remains the primary objective for the coaching staff.
The more he touches the ball, the bigger chance there is that we score goals.
Added Slot, as his side prepare to navigate a decisive run of domestic fixtures.