Il Nuovo Postiglione - Slot urges patience as Isak returns to training with Liverpool

Isak, who signed in September from Newcastle for a British-record fee of £125 million ($164 million), has not played since coming off at half-time of the Champions League win in Frankfurt last month.

"He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out," Slot said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended so now it's time for us to see where he is.

"But I have to come back to those words, because if you are three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn't bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago."

Swedish international Isak has played just eight games for his new club since arriving at Anfield on transfer deadline day, and is yet to score a Premier League goal.

Slot said Isak, 26, would need time to get match fit.

"You cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team," said the Dutchman.

"As much as we try to replicate it, that's simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time."

Slot also said he expects goalkeeper Alisson Becker to be available again immediately after the international window that follows the match with City.

City and Liverpool have dominated English football over the past decade but this year both clubs are playing catch-up with Arsenal, who are six points clear of Pep Guardiola's second-placed team.

Champions Liverpool are a further point behind after a win against Aston Villa last week ended a four-match losing run.

A.Rastelli--INP