Alexander Isak absence vs Man City explained by Liverpool boss Arne Slot

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Alexander Isak has been left out of Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Manchester City, despite head coach Arne Slot suggesting that the Sweden international could return this weekend

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Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been left out of the matchday squad for today's FA Cup quarterfinal with Manchester City, with head coach Arne Slot claiming the game "came too early for him".

The Sweden international, 26, had been expected to be named on the substitutes bench for the trip to the Etihad Stadium after it was confirmed that he had returned to training this week, as he steps up his recovery from a long-term injury.

Isak has been sidelined since December after undergoing surgery for an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture, sustained as he scored during a win at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it was soon revealed on Saturday that the former Newcastle United forward would play no part in Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Man City, having been left out of the 18-man matchday squad.

Slot has since revealed that the decision was taken following consultations "with the medical staff and the player", although he remains hopeful that Isak wil be available for Wednesday's crunch Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

"I was hoping the same (that he would be available), but you do these things with the medical staff and the player, and we came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions before bringing him in," Slot told TNT Sports.

"I hope that he will be available for Wednesday but today came too early for him."

Hugo Ekitike will continue to lead the line for Liverpool in Isak's absence, while Mohamed Salah also starts after recovering from the knock that ruled him out of the Reds' last outing at Brighton & Hove Albion prior to the international break.

Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones have also been named in the starting line-up at Etihad Stadium as Slot makes three changes in total.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Liverpool.com will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

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