Isak Returns To Liverpool Squad For PSG Clash In Champions League Quarter-Final

Alexander Isak has been named in Liverpool’s travelling squad for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, but Arne Slot has ruled out a starting role at the Parc des Princes as Liverpool look to manage the striker’s return from a long injury absence.

The 26-year-old has only just completed close to a full week of group training with Liverpool after a serious ankle injury and fibula fracture, and while Isak is available from the bench in Paris, Slot has stressed that Liverpool will control minutes carefully during this key Champions League tie.

Slot underlined that Isak will only feature if required, confirming the selection approach for the first leg. "he can play a part, otherwise I wouldn't take him, said Slot. We think we can get a performance out of him now, but not to start." Liverpool have therefore planned for other forwards to open the game.

Isak’s inclusion still marks progress after a disrupted first season at Anfield since a 125m move from Newcastle United on deadline day last summer, with the Sweden international limited to 16 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far, contributing three goals and one assist before the injury setback.

Isak’s possible involvement comes as Liverpool prepare for one of the strongest attacks in this Champions League campaign, with both Liverpool and PSG leading the competition for shots on target before this quarter-final, yet showing very different finishing records across the tournament so far.

Up to the start of the quarter-final round, PSG had registered 90 shots on target in the Champions League this season, compared with 85 for Liverpool, but PSG converted at a higher rate and have outperformed expected goals, while Liverpool’s finishing numbers have been below their underlying metrics.

Those figures show PSG have scored 34 goals from 25.2 expected goals, while Liverpool have 24 goals from 27.7 expected goals, so Liverpool create chances at a similar level but convert fewer, making Isak’s potential contribution from the bench a significant tactical option for Slot in Paris.

Isak’s last appearance before the lay-off came in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham in December, when the forward suffered the ankle injury and fibula fracture, and while Slot does not intend to rush the Sweden international, the decision to include Isak against PSG shows Liverpool consider the striker ready for controlled involvement.