Alexander Isak’s first months on Merseyside have been disrupted by injury and interrupted preparation. A disrupted preseason and a broken leg have prevented the striker enjoying a smooth debut campaign after his rise at St. James’ Park. He only recently returned from that major leg injury and, after a few sluggish outings, had appeared to be finding momentum again.

Isak scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield since he donned Saudi green for the Magpies, but he has suffered a fresh groin problem in training. The first reports of the issue emerged on Saturday and the knock was enough to rule him out of Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford. That absence followed a significant injury sustained at Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas, which ruled him out for the best part of four months.

Arne Slot spoke to Sky Sports before kick-off to outline the immediate impact on his squad and to express his frustration. He said: “After our last win against Palace, you go into the week and in the start you already know you’re going to miss out on Mo [Salah], and then during the week we miss out on Alex as well.

“But that’s not the first time this season. Arsenal away, we had our both No. 9s not available as well and we were able to play a good game. So, it is the situation to accept it.

“Of course, very unlucky and unhappy with the fact Alex picked up a small—really small—injury,” Slot fretted. “That’s why this game came a bit too early.”

Reports underline that the latest problem is not on the scale of his broken leg, and Slot has been optimistic about a swift recovery for his costly recruit. Isak had dealt with a few nagging issues at Newcastle, and those problems have not ceased since his move. Despite the setback and with just three Premier League games remaining, these comments suggest Isak’s season may still continue.

Alexander Isak was ruled out of Sunday’s derby against Manchester United with a groin injury, prolonging a difficult debut campaign at Liverpool. Isak had been eased into first-team action during his first three months at the club before suffering a broken fibula against Tottenham Hotspur in December. He did not make another appearance until April and had started to regain form, scoring a well-taken goal against Crystal Palace last weekend, but that momentum was halted.

Arne Slot named a 4-2-3-1 for the trip to Old Trafford: Freddie Woodman; Curtis Jones, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch; Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz; Cody Gakpo.

Substitutes: Armin Pecsi (GK), Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez, Federico Chiesa, Trey Nyoni, Kieran Morrison, Rio Ngumoha, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Will Wright.

With Hugo Ekitiké and Mohamed Salah also sidelined, Slot again adjusted his selection. Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong are all capable of filling the right-back role for Liverpool, while Szoboszlai and Frimpong have also been used further up the right flank. Cody Gakpo is expected to resume an unloved central striking role, though Slot could deploy Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai in a dual-false-nine setup he used sporadically last season.

First-choice goalkeeper Alisson did not overcome his fitness issue for the trip, and with Giorgi Mamardashvili also unavailable, Freddie Woodman started in goal once more.

At this late stage of the season a relatively minor muscle strain can end a campaign, and with a World Cup on the horizon there is added incentive for players and staff to take a cautious approach to rehabilitation and recovery.

Mohamed Salah guarded his words with the same care he has shown across a high-profile Liverpool career, but his interview with Steven Gerrard for TNT Sports delivered several clear signals about his future.

Salah revealed a private January meeting with Gerrard that shaped his thinking at a turbulent point. “People didn’t know you came to my house, we had a good conversation,” Salah revealed, inspiring a bashful smirk from Gerrard. “You said your opinion and I really appreciate it. I am glad I am leaving now through the big door.

“That is something you mentioned to me, just leave on your terms, I still remember those words. I am happy about it. Everything that is going on this season makes me think, ‘No it’s time to go.’”

On what comes next away from Liverpool, the 33-year-old remained undecided but emphatic about his condition. “Honestly physically I feel I have a lot to give,” he said, then added: “I played many games this season. I haven’t decided what I am going to do yet, I have a lot of good options. Physically I feel fine, I feel what I did over the years paid off, I feel good.”

He was equally forthright about fitness. “I feel good, body wise I feel all right,” Salah insisted. “Last season I had this incredible season, I think I have a lot to give and I will see what is the best for me.”

Salah acknowledged interest from a range of suitors, from Saudi Arabia to MLS, while leaving open whether a European elite side will match his view of his own fitness.

Injury and availability were discussed. The forward damaged his hamstring at the end of April, ruling him out of the trip to Man Utd and possibly the Chelsea game, but he left room for a return later in the month. When Gerrard suggested he might miss the final weekend, Salah replied: “Yeah, yeah, for sure.” He added: “The injury is fine,” he explained. “Probably it will be before that.”

Salah also responded to a message from Jürgen Klopp with a light jab. “I was so happy last year that I win the Premier League ,” the top-flight champion smiled, “then I can tell him that, ‘I have two Premier Leagues and you have one.’”

Remaining fixtures cited in the interview were: Sunday, May 3 v Man Utd (Old Trafford); Saturday, May 9 v Chelsea (Anfield); Sunday, May 17 v Aston Villa (Villa Park); Sunday, May 24 v Brentford (Anfield).