Alexander Isak’s availability vs. Brighton under scrutiny as Arne Slot signals plans with Hugo Ekitike
Alexander Isak picked up a knock in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday, a development that could influence Arne Slot’s tactical choices for Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Brighton. Slot experimented with a 4-4-2 diamond, pairing Isak with Hugo Ekitike for just the second time midweek, and he hinted in his pre-match briefing that he intends to keep using that shape going forward.
With Liverpool missing Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo for various reasons, the new system looks like a potential fix. Yet Slot conceded there’s doubt over whether Isak will be fit to start the weekend.
“From what we saw, and this is completely normal, the more they play together, the more they’ll adapt to each other and the better they’ll collaborate,” Slot said about the Isak–Ekitike partnership from their Inter clash.
“It's fair to say the other two who were on the pitch, Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez, were more accustomed to playing with one another.” He added that the pair showed promising signs, noting it’s only their second outing together due to fitness and match rhythm. “I expect to see more of this pairing in the future.”
He also commented on Isak’s knock in the first half and how recovery is progressing, leaving the decision on a possible start to the day of the match: “We’ll monitor his recovery today and decide if he can start tomorrow. If he can, we’ll consider whether to start them again together or pursue a different approach.”
If Isak is ruled out or limited, it would prolong a frustrating spell for the £125 million summer signing, who has started consecutive league games just three times since arriving, with his longest streak also being three starts.
Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa could boost Slot’s options by returning to training after illness ruled him out of the Inter clash. Although Chiesa hasn’t started in either the Premier League or Champions League this season, he remains a key option in the forward line, particularly if Salah’s availability remains uncertain.
Jayden Danns is close to a comeback from a long-term hamstring injury and is expected to resume match fitness with the Under-21s as he builds back up to senior duties.
Would you rather Slot stick with the two-striker setup against Brighton, or revert to a different formation if Isak isn’t fully fit? Share your thoughts on the best pairings and tactical shape for Liverpool in the comments.
