Arne Slot provides Alexander Isak injury update ahead of Aston Villa clash

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Image Credits: Imago ImagesAlexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong both miss out for Liverpool, while Mohamed Salah returns to the bench for the trip to Aston Villa.Isak had only recently returned to the squad for last week’s draw with Chelsea after missing the defeat to Manchester United due to a minor groin strain.Having just come back from a four-month absence with a broken leg earlier in April, the striker is not risked as Liverpool aim to secure Champions League qualification.Cody Gakpo leads the line once again, with Dominik Szoboszlai on the right and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha on the left, making back-to-back Premier League starts for the first time.Salah is back among the substitutes after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against Crystal Palace on April 25, having missed the last two matches. Freddie Woodman is among the substitutes.Isak has been ruled out of tonight’s match with a minor issue, with Liverpool opting to take a cautious approach given his recent fitness problems this season.Asked about the team news pre-match by Sky Sports, head coach Slot said: “I don’t think it can come as a surprise to anyone.

I think it’s something we all understand, if you miss pre-season, if you then have a broken leg, when you are coming back we’ve been really careful with him.“But, of course, Hugo Ekitike was injured. And then it’s not a surprise I think that you can pick up minor injuries like this.”On how pleased he was to have Salah and Wirtz back, Slot added: “A lot, a lot of course.

Because these are players that can make a difference for any team, so also for us.“It’s very nice to have them back, although ideally you are able to start them. I have to give Mo a lot of compliments how fast he is back, because that’s not always a given with the injury he picked up.