Mohamed Salah says he will definitely be back for the final game of the season and probably before then.

The Egyptian is currently sidelined with a small hamstring issue that will keep him out of Sunday’s trip to face Man United.

But there are three games after the visit to Old Trafford, at home to Chelsea, away to Aston Villa and then Brentford at home on the final day.

In a sneak peak of an interview filmed with Steven Gerrard for TNT Sport, Salah has said that he will “for sure” be back for that Brentford game and “probably before that.”

The 33-year-old, who will leave the club on a free transfer in the summer after nine incredible seasons, also posted a series of photos on social media showing him back running on the training pitches at the AXA Training Centre on Friday.

“For sure [I will be back for the final game],” Salah told Gerrard. “The injury is fine.

“Yeah, definitely, I will probably be [back] before that.”

The preview also shows Salah speaking about his love for the club and what it meant to win the Premier League title last season, saying: “Winning the Premier League with this club is completely different than any other club.”

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

Salah underwent a series of media interviews on Friday, including with Gerrard for TNT, with Sky Sports, and international media including Australia’s Stan Sport.

Salah’s interview with Sky Sports includes messages from Liverpool legends, including Jurgen Klopp and Ian Rush. It will be aired across the weekend in the build up to Sunday’s match at Old Trafford.

Salah has made 440 appearances for Liverpool so far, scoring 257 goals. He’ll be hoping to add to that before he departs in what will be an emotional farewell on May 24.

Adblock test (Why?)

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has outlined when he hopes to return from injury ahead of his summer exit, and why he wants his final game to be about Jordan Henderson as well

20:08, 01 May 2026

Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah in an interview for TNT Sports.(Image: Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah has selflessly revealed that he wants Jordan Henderson to get a belated Liverpool send-off on the final day of this season, alongside himself and Andy Robertson.

Salah and Robertson have both confirmed that they will be departing the Reds when the campaign comes to an end. Henderson left Anfield in the summer of 2023, but the deal that saw him move to Saudi Arabia was done during the close season and came as a surprise, meaning he didn't get a chance to get a proper goodbye.

While Salah and Robertson will take center stage once the Brentford game is played, Henderson will be at Anfield with his new side and could be a part of the post-match ceremonies that will take place to honor some club legends.

READ MORE: 4 things spotted in Liverpool training before Man Utd after Alisson update and injury boostREAD MORE: Jurgen Klopp won't join Real Madrid - but there is one job that could see him return to coaching

"There is no better place to mention it than with you," Salah told Steven Gerrard in an interview for TNT Sports. "I think the last game of the season against Brentford, people in the city know how much it meant to Hendo also.

"Being here, captain of the club, for 12 years — more than me, more than Virgil, more than Robbo, more than anyone. He didn't get the send-off or the farewell that he deserved because he left immediately.

"I don't know how the club is going to manage it and I have no plan. I don't know how the supporters will also manage it, but I really wish they do something special for him.

Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool ace was substituted against Crystal Palace.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I've been there in the dressing room and without him, we wouldn't have achieved what we achieved. I really hope that the fans will give him a good send-off.

"You know how passionate he is and how much he loved the club. I really wish that the club can do something for him and the fans also, because this is Liverpool and we do it this way."

Asked if he would be back in time to face Brentford, Salah almost looked surprised at the question. "The injury is fine," Salah said. "I will definitely [play in the final game of the season] and probably before that, hopefully."

Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

From $100

LFC.com

See the deal

Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.

Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.

Arne Slot was asked about Salah in his pre-match press conference ahead of taking on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Article continues below

"As we know from Mo, he's always working incredibly hard during the season when he's fit, but definitely also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible," Slot said.

"That's what he's trying now so well. Usually he's earlier fit than other players after a minor injury — because he has a minor injury.

"We expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday."

Adblock test (Why?)

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah picked up an injury in the win over Crystal Palace which could have ended his tenure with the Reds

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah picked up an injury in the win over Crystal Palace which could have ended his tenure with the Reds

A Bradley Barcola transfer has been “assessed” by Liverpool, according to a reliable Merseyside reporter, and Arne Slot has given three injury updates in his press conference.

Bradley Barcola “assessed” by Liverpool

With Mo Salah departing in the summer and Hugo Ekitike likely to miss the rest of 2026 as a minimum, Liverpool are in the market for attacking wingers this summer.

The most high profile link has been to RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, whom the Times‘ Paul Joyce has now said “is among a number of wide players that have been assessed.”

Last summer, Leipzig offered £20 million for Harvey Elliott, a meagre sum for a player of his quality, so Liverpool declined.

However, Joyce has now added that “should talks on Diomande formally progress in the future, it would be no surprise if Elliott was mentioned as a means of bringing down the Ivorian’s £85m price tag.”

In addition, the Merseyside journalist said “the list is likely to include Paris Saint-Germain’s Barcola also.”

The mention of Barcola is interesting as he is someone whose links to the Reds have died down of late.

Last summer, the Frenchman was “offered” to Liverpool, according to the Mail‘s Lewis Steele, but the club had already spent a big sum in the window in other areas.

Liverpool also briefed that they didn’t want to block Rio Ngumoha‘s pathway, which Barcola may have done as a fellow right-footed left winger.

Joyce mentioning him now, though, is a hint that the Reds’ interest could resurface as they look to bolster their attack this summer.

Arne Slot’s Press Conference: Salah, Alisson & Kerkez fitness

• Slot revealed in his press conference that Alisson is yet to train this week but “he’s very close” to a return, though they “don’t want to take any risk”

• Milos Kerkez returned to training on Friday after Slot admitted the left-back suffered “some niggles” earlier in the week

• The head coach confirmed Salah won’t be available against Man United but does think he will be able to play before the end of the season, saying: “Usually he’s earlier fit than other players after a minor injury”

• Following reports that Liverpool could move for Feyenoord assistant Etienne Reijnen, Slot commented that Liverpool “always look around to see where we can strengthen the club”

More from This Is Anfield

If you have ever been on the Kop, you will have likely taken part in the Anfield tradition of clapping the opposition goalkeeper as they walk to their net, usually at the beginning of the second half.

Joanna Durkan writes about the custom and looks back at how it started:

“Irrespective of the name on the back of the shirt, the Kop will clap and show their respect to not only the Reds ‘keeper, but also the opponents’, with jeers in return if they do not recognise the gesture.

“It is a unique custom at Anfield and one that has stood the test of time, with it passed on from one generation to the next. Its origins, though, are not entirely clear.”

In Other Football News…

• Roberto de Zerbi has urged Tottenham to “silence the voice inside of us” as they fight relegation – they’re two points from safety with four games left

• Eddie Howe has insisted that the commitment of Newcastle‘s Saudi Arabian owners remains “unchanged” after meeting for talks in the north east

• England Women captain Leah Williamson, who is 29 years old, has signed a new two-year contract at Arsenal (BBC Sport)

Liverpool FC: On this day

Having lost the final in 1914 and 1950, Liverpool finally got their hands on the FA Cup for the first time on May 1, 1965.

As one of the most momentous days in the club’s history, this was arguably Bill Shankly‘s crowning glory as Reds boss.

Against a great Leeds team, left-back Gerry Byrne played most of the match with a broken collarbone as the game went to extra time following a goalless 90 minutes.

Roger Hunt, who would also win the World Cup at Wembley a year later, scored the opener in extra time, but Billy Bremner equalised.

Only five minutes were left when striker Ian St John headed home the winner to make himself a Liverpool legend.

Adblock test (Why?)

Milos Kerkez was among Liverpool’s training contingent on Friday after pulling out of a session earlier in the week, but there was still no sign of Alisson.

Arne Slot already knows he will be without Giorgi Mamardashvili, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Hugo Ekitike and Mo Salah for the trip to Old Trafford.

All but Endo and Ekitike were spotted at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, leaving only Kerkez and Alisson as doubts for the Premier League fixture.

The Brazilian was also in the building but was not pictured by the club’s cameras on the outdoor pitches during training, leaving only Saturday’s session to prove his fitness.

“I have to hear today from [the] medical staff if he’s able to train today, tomorrow or otherwise the start of next week,” Slot told reporters of his No. 1 on Friday morning.

“He’s very close, but we, of course, also don’t want to take any risk, because that’s never what you do with a player, and that’s also what we do now.”

While Slot admitted Alisson will not need as long as an outfielder to return to the starting lineup after seven games out, his apparent absence suggests Freddie Woodman is in line to start.

Armin Pecsi would, therefore, retain his place on the bench after Slot’s rare appraisal following his summer switch.

Kerkez, meanwhile, appears to have overcome “some niggles” that forced his early exit from training on Wednesday, with the left-back pictured alongside his teammates two days out from the match.

Liverpool Squad in Pre-Man United Training

Goalkeepers: Woodman, Pecsi

Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez, Frimpong, Ndiaye, Nallo

Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones, Nyoni, McConnell

Forwards: Isak, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ngumoha, Chiesa, Wright, Morrison

He was expected to replace Andy Robertson after playing just seven minutes across the last two games, but his minor fitness issue could cause a re-think for Slot over the weekend.

Liverpool, thankfully, did not have any other surprise absentees during training, though the squad was bolstered by several academy players.

Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, was involved in the session, as was Amara Nallo, James McConnell, Kieran Morrison and striker Will Wright, with a place on the bench likely for at least one youngster.

As for Man United, they are hopeful Matheus Cunha will return after missing the win over Brentford, as well as Luke Shaw. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are both still sidelined.

Adblock test (Why?)

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has been speaking ahead of the Premier League clash at home to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has been speaking ahead of the Premier League clash at home to Liverpool on Sunday afternoon

Liverpool face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend and the Red Devils have some injury concerns

Liverpool face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend and the Red Devils have some injury concerns

Liverpool could have a clear advantage in their potential pursuit of Bradley Barcola this summer

Liverpool could have a clear advantage in their potential pursuit of Bradley Barcola this summer

The Dutchman addressed questions from the media on Friday ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash against Manchester United and revealed an unexpected training blow

13:19, 01 May 2026

Arne Slot spoke to the media on Friday head of Manchester United vs Liverpool(Image: This Is Anfield)

Arne Slot spoke to the media on Friday ahead of this weekend’s huge clash against Manchester United.

Both sides approach the fixture at Old Trafford looking to secure a spot in the Champions League for next season, with Liverpool one place behind Michael Carrick’s side in the table.

Ahead of the game, Slot fielded questions at the AXA Training Centre, where he was asked about the fitness levels of Mohamed Salah, Alisson, and Milos Kerkez, in addition to the recent form of Curtis Jones and Alexander Isak. Inevitably, the picture at the league summit was discussed, while Slot shared an update on a possible summer addition. Here are the best bits from the Dutchman’s press conference.

READ MORE: Liverpool star forced to drop out of training as Arne Slot provides injury updateREAD MORE: Arne Slot faces Mohamed Salah dilemma as Liverpool could recall 3 players vs Man Utd

Salah injury : “As we know from Mo, he is always working incredibly hard when he is fit, but also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible. Usually, he is fit sooner than other players than others when he has a minor injury — so we expect him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.

“In all ways, it is a big relief that his injury is minor that he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If there is any time a player deserves to have a big send-off, it is definitely him.”

Alisson fitness : “For us, it is a bonus every player that comes back because if you add Mo to the injury list, it is getting longer and longer. It has been like that throughout the whole season. Ali hasn’t trained with us yet. Very close to train with us. I have to hear today from the medical staff to see if he is ready to train today, either tomorrow or the start of next week. He is very close, but also we don’t want to take any risks. That is not what you do with a player and that is not what we do now.

“I think there is a difference between a goalkeeper and [an outfield] player because if a player hasn’t trained in a few weeks… [outfield] players need to run more than goalkeepers do. So, I don’t think the issue with an [outfield] player when he is out for four or five weeks that he forgot to play football, it’s usually that the fitness levels are not at this intensity to play at the level the Premier League is asking. There is a difference between a goalkeeper and an outfield player.”

Slot hopes Mo Salah will be back on the pitch before the end of the season(Image: LFC)

Importance of Sunday : “I think it’s always like that, every game you play has influence on your league position. So that’s not only when you play Man United, it’s every week in every game. But we are aware of the fact that it’s a very big game, not only because we play Man United, but definitely also to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table, which of course is something we want. We wanted to, of course, win the league. That’s not possible. And then you have to try to end up as high as possible, and that’s what we are trying week in, week out, and that’s what we’re going to try Sunday again as well.”

Converting chances : “Having Alex more and more available, having him available at his top level, would increase that even more. In general having players available would help becoming consistent; at the moment not playing three times in seven days helps in our consistency. But chance creation, converting into goals that is something we haven’t done very well throughout this whole season but one of the players we always thought could score goals for us was hardly available.

“Last week you could see it was a chance but it wasn’t the biggest chance we’ve had this season and he finished that one off really well by scoring the 1-0 and scoring a goal which is vital in football as it sets you in the right direction or if you don’t score it and concede a set-piece at the other end — which happened so many times in the first half of the season – that brings the game in a different direction. Happy to have Alex back, unfortunately Mo was of course another great goalscorer for so many years and is not available on Sunday but Alex is. I think some other players that haven’t scored the amount of goals that I think they are able to or they have shown in the past they are able to and that will go back to normal in a certain moment and the sooner the better.”

Backroom staff additions : “I think we all know we lot a member of staff during the season. We parted ways so it makes complete sense at this club, if someone is leaving a department, that you are looking at a replacement. In general for a club, it makes sense not only to look at player-wise but also staff-wise. We are always keeping our eyes open to improve the club and that means it could be a player but also a staff. We always look around to see how we can strengthen.”

Curtis Jones' performances have been excellent in recent weeks(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Jones recent performances : “Very well. Not perfect, which is completely normal, but very well, especially if you take into account – that’s why it makes complete sense that it’s not perfect, although who is perfect in whichever position? — he hardly has played in that position throughout his career. That he does it the way he does is a big compliment, because I think he played twice a good game; against Palace, even better than against Everton, defensively I mean then mainly, which makes sense because usually you improve by playing more in a certain position, getting more used to the players around you and to your position.

“What we always know from him is that he shows great personality in every position he plays. He’s never afraid to play, never afraid to get the ball, never scared to take a bit of risk, which is something he maybe has to adjust a little bit because in midfield it’s a bit different than playing in the last line, taking risk. But it’s also one of his qualities that he’s able to bring himself out of very difficult positions, which could come across as taking risk, but usually the ball is in safe hands when he has it because he’s very good and comfortable on the ball.”

Article continues below

Kerkez fitness : “Milos has had some niggles, left the training pitch not yesterday but the day before. But I expect him to either train today or tomorrow.”

Wirtz output vs top sides : “I don’t only hope that, I am 100 percent sure he will [improve]. For me, it is a coincidence, we have to play three more who are in those positions so that gives him three more chances to do this. For me the development Florian has made throughout his Liverpool career, which has only been 10 months, is so clear and obvious: 93rd minute against Crystal Palace making a duel on the sideline, winning a throw-in and then making a sprint from 40 yards and hitting the ball in the top corner, that is something I am not completely convinced he could do the same eight months ago.

“His improvement - and he was already an elite player – has been, for me, clear and obvious and that improvement will only continue as he is only 22 so that makes complete sense. Almost every player in the world is at his best when he is 25, 26 but he is already an elite player now and he can only become better and that is the beauty of the signings he did last summer, that all of them are of a certain age where we can only expect them to get better — as long as they don’t get injured.”

Adblock test (Why?)

Head coach Arne Slot expects the improving form of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz to drive Liverpool forward in the future after seeing significant contributions recently.

The two most expensive signings in the club’s history – costing a combined £241million – have had largely underwhelming first seasons due to Isak’s ongoing injury problems and Wirtz’s struggles adapting to the physicality of the Premier League.

But the pair both scored in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and look set to start their fourth successive match together at Manchester United on Sunday, which is their longest run of the campaign.

Slot accepts the new arrivals have had their difficulties, not helped by an underperforming team around them, but in the last month has seen glimpses that both are finally starting to find their feet.

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

Subscribe to This Is Anfield on YouTube

Join over 370,000 subscribers to get the latest LFC videos to your feed

“Converting chances into goals is something we haven’t done very well throughout this whole season but one of the players (Isak) we always thought could score goals for us was hardly available,” said Slot.

“Last week you could see it was a chance but it wasn’t the biggest chance we’ve had this season and he finished that one off really well by scoring the 1-0 and scoring a goal which is vital in football as it sets you in the right direction.

“Happy to have Alex back. I think there are some other players that haven’t scored the amount of goals that I think they are able to, or they have shown in the past they are able to, and that will go back to normal in a certain moment and the sooner the better.”

Wirtz would come into that category with seven goals and 10 assists – none of which have come against Premier League opposition currently occupying European places – representing a lower-than-expected return for a £116m player hailed as a generational talent when he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen.

“For me the development Florian has made throughout his Liverpool career, which has only been 10 months, is so clear and obvious,” added Slot.

“In the 93rd minute against Crystal Palace making a duel on the sideline, winning a throw-in and then making a sprint from 40 yards and hitting the ball in the top corner – that is something I am not completely convinced he could do the same eight months ago.

“That improvement will only continue as he is only 22. Almost every player in the world is at his best when he is 25, 26 but he is already an elite player now and he can only become better.”

As part of the improvements for next season there are plans afoot to bolster the backroom staff with the club being linked with Etienne Reijnen, with whom Slot worked at Feyenoord and would have followed him to Anfield had there not been work permit issues which have now been resolved.

“We are always keeping our eyes open to improve the club and that means it could be a player but also a staff. We always look around to see how we can strengthen,” added Slot, who lost Aaron Briggs from his coaching team in December after he paid the price for poor set-piece performances.

Slot also said it was “a big relief” the departing Mohamed Salah’s hamstring injury was only minor and he was likely to play again this season, while admitting goalkeeper Alisson Becker remained a doubt for Old Trafford as he had not yet trained after seven matches out injured.

Adblock test (Why?)

RB Leipzig’s previous interest in Harvey Elliott could serve Liverpool in any pursuit of £85 million-rated Yan Diomande this summer.

Elliott & Diomande: The Summer Strategy

• Failed Loan: Harvey Elliott returns to Anfield this summer after a season to forget at Aston Villa, where he failed to trigger a permanent £35m transfer.
• Salah Successor: 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande is the club’s “top transfer target” to eventually succeed Mo Salah, but carries a massive £85 million price tag.
• Strategic Makeweight: Paul Joyce suggests Elliott could be used as a “means” to lower the cash outlay for the Leipzig star, who was already a target for the Bundesliga side last year.
• Concrete Interest: Reports from Sky Germany and The Times confirm that internal discussions are progressing as Liverpool look to refresh their attacking dynamism.

It has been a season to forget for Elliott, playing only 277 minutes across nine appearances for Aston Villa after Unai Emery quickly cast him aside.

With his loan conditions not being met, playing 10 Premier League games, he will return to Liverpool at the end of the season, seeing the club miss out on an agreed £35 million transfer fee.

While there is certainly merit in retaining his services, Liverpool are expected to listen to offers, or could even offer him up throughout transfer discussions.

This is where Leipzig and Diomande enter the picture. As noted by the Times‘ Paul Joyce, Leipzig did table an offer for Elliott last summer, albeit around a lowly £20 million.

But Liverpool’s known interest in Diomande could cause a re-evaluation as they seek out Mo Salah‘s successor.

Joyce rightly explains that, “should talks on Diomande formally progress in the future, it would be no surprise if Elliott was mentioned as a means of bringing down the Ivorian’s £85million price tag.”

The 19-year-old winger has been described as the Reds’ “top transfer target,” and it was even claimed by Sky Germany that “concrete talks” have taken place with Diomande’s representatives.

Leipzig are looking to renegotiate Diomande’s contract with a pay rise and extended terms, but Liverpool including Elliott as part of their talks could hold weight.

Of course, this would require Elliott to green light a move to Germany, which could now prove more alluring having seen Jarell Quansah‘s success at Bayer Leverkusen and Tyler Morton‘s development in France.

With only one 90-minute outing across the entire season, Elliott needs a club that will show faith and offer consistent game time, which Leipzig have a track record in with young players.

As for Liverpool, the versatility of Diomande will be attractive, as will the 19-year-old’s pace and dynamism, traits which have been lacking in Liverpool’s attack this season.

Follow us on WhatsApp

Join 5,000+ Reds for instant alerts and breaking news direct to your phone

Adblock test (Why?)

Wayne Rooney believes Mohamed Salah's legs have gone as the Egyptian prepares to leave Liverpool this summer having scored just seven Premier League goals, while Virgil van Dijk faces a similar decline

Daniel Orme Trends Writer

11:46, 01 May 2026Updated 11:51, 01 May 2026

Wayne Rooney has had his say on the Liverpool duo(Image: Xavier Laine, Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney thinks Mohamed Salah's legs have already gone and has warned that Virgil van Dijk is heading in the same direction. Salah is poised to depart Liverpool this summer after a glittering stint at Anfield.

The Egyptian will exit the club following his most challenging season on Merseyside, having netted just seven Premier League goals this campaign, while his place in the starting XI has not always been guaranteed under Arne Slot.

Rooney is convinced that time has finally caught up with the 33-year-old, and that his Liverpool captain is following a similar trajectory. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the Manchester United icon said: "I said this since the start of the season, age gets to us all and your legs go.

READ MORE: Liverpool star forced to drop out of training as Arne Slot provides injury updateREAD MORE: Arne Slot issues Alisson fitness update ahead of Liverpool trip to Man Utd

"I think that's happened to Salah this season and Virgil van Dijk hasn't been the same this season. They are the leaders in the dressing room. It's hard for the other players to go and leave their mark or become the leaders."

"I don't think he [Van Dijk] will [leave] but you've seen players when they've stayed there for too long."

He added: "The hardest thing for a player is to understand you may be not at the level you were. I did it at Manchester United when Zlatan Ibrahimovic came in and I wasn't playing. I wanted to play so I left straight away. I accepted it."

Unlike Salah, Van Dijk will stay at Liverpool for the foreseeable future. The Dutch center-back remains tied to the Reds until next summer, having signed an extension just last year.

Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk(Image: PA)

Salah's Liverpool farewell has encountered a significant setback, with the Egyptian poised to miss his final Premier League fixture against Manchester United this Sunday. The forward was substituted last weekend against Crystal Palace due to a hamstring injury.

Article continues below

While Liverpool manager Arne Slot has ruled him out of this weekend's match, the Dutchman is hopeful that he will return before the end of the season.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot said: "As we know for Mo, he is always working hard when he is fit and when he is injured to be back. He is usually fitter than others, so we expect him back for the final part of the season.

"Not for tomorrow. It is always a big relief that his injury is minor to play for us and the World Cup. Any time a player who deserved a send-off, it's great news."

Adblock test (Why?)

Alexander Isak has endured an extremely underwhelming first season at Liverpool - but Arne Slot knows why, and is backing the Reds record signing to eventually come good

11:28, 01 May 2026

Alexander Isak has endured a slow start to life at Liverpool(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)

Arne Slot admitted that Alexander Isak's Liverpool teammates need to work on getting the Swede more touches of the ball.

Isak has endured a disappointing first season at Anfield, but his slow start to life on Merseyside can largely be put down to fitness issues. Isak started the season slowly after missing pre-season with Newcastle as he went on strike to force through his move to Liverpool, and a brief injury lay-off in October and November was followed by a much longer lay-off after he suffered a broken leg in December.

Isak is still working his way back up to full fitness, and scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield last weekend as he opened the scoring in the 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

READ MORE: Liverpool star forced to drop out of training as Arne Slot provides injury updateREAD MORE: Arne Slot offers curious response to question over 'harsh' fan criticism

Obviously, the former Newcastle striker still has a huge way to go to rediscover the form that earned him a Premier League-record move to Anfield last summer, and Slot thinks his teammates can play a part in that happening.

"The more he touches the ball, the bigger the chances," Slot said. "But it makes sense that connections need to be rebuilt and that is the good thing, we have training time, so we can bring him in the positions he prefers.

"It's helpful for him to get fitter. A game is 95 minutes, full throttle, constant running, so being fit is quite important."

Isak became Liverpool's record signing after Florian Wirtz had held that title for just a few weeks following his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Arne Slot also spoke about Florian Wirtz's start to life at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Slot also spoke about Wirtz's slow start to life at Anfield, as he praised the youngster's improved form in recent weeks.

"The development Florian has made in his Liverpool career is so clear and obvious," said Slot.

"In the 93rd minute against Crystal Palace, making a duel on the sideline, winning a throw-in and then making a sprint from 40 yards and hitting the ball in the top corner... That is something I am not completely convinced he could do eight months ago.

READ MORE: Arne Slot hints at Liverpool summer addition as preparations for next season beginREAD MORE: Arne Slot issues Alisson fitness update ahead of Liverpool trip to Man Utd

"His improvement - and he was already an elite player – will only continue as he is only 22 so that makes complete sense.

Article continues below

"Almost every player in the world is at his best when he is 25, 26 but he is already an elite player and he can only become better.

"That is the beauty of the signings we did last summer, that all of them are of a certain age where we can only expect them to get better."

Adblock test (Why?)

Armin Pecsi has largely flown under the radar since arriving at Liverpool last summer, but Arne Slot has now offered a rare assessment of the 21-year-old.

Pecsi arrived in the summer having played 70 times for Puskas Akademia, and found himself drifting between Liverpool’s academy ranks and the first team.

Earlier this season, he went nearly four months without featuring at any level for the club, but went on to play 17 times for Rob Pages U21s as they closed out their season last week.

The Hungarian has been called up to train with the first team throughout the season, making the bench against Crystal Palace (League Cup and Premier League), Aston Villa, and Everton.

[embedded content]

[embedded content]

Subscribe to This Is Anfield on YouTube

Join over 370,000 subscribers to get the latest LFC videos to your feed

But any insight from Slot on the young goalkeeper’s development has been rare, though he did make an exception while discussing his Hungarian contingent in his pre-Man United press conference.

“Armin is in a very good place,” Slot told reporters after disclosing Milos Kerkez‘s fitness issues.

“His teammates are sometimes annoyed by how well he brings the ball out from the back when they want to press him, so he’s in a very good place.”

With modern goalkeepers needing to show poise and composure on the ball, and the ability to distribute, Slot’s verdict is a promising indication of Pecsi’s development – even if it does annoy his teammates!

With Giorgi Mamardashvili and Alisson sidelined, the 21-year-old was just named in successive senior matchday squads for the second time, and could be set for a third.

On his chances of being named among the substitutes at Man United, Slot explained, “That depends, of course, on Allison.”

The Brazilian has to prove his fitness in training if he is to mark his return after seven games out. If not, Freddie Woodman will start and Pecsi will act as his deputy.

Adblock test (Why?)

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is set to leave the club this summer after eight years at Anfield, with Wayne Rooney delivering a stark verdict on his decline this season and what it could mean for Virgil van Dijk's future

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is set to leave the club this summer after eight years at Anfield, with Wayne Rooney delivering a stark verdict on his decline this season and what it could mean for Virgil van Dijk's future