Two Liverpool attackers are poised to return against Manchester City, but a key player's status remains in doubt for the crucial PSG clash.
Before traveling to the Parc des Princes on April 8 to face PSG in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg, Liverpool will take on Manchester City this Saturday, April 4, in the FA Cup quarterfinal. And the Reds are hoping to have two important attackers back.
The international break is nearly over, and the serious business can begin for PSG. After hosting Toulouse on Friday evening in the opening match of Ligue 1's 28th matchday, Luis Enrique's side will switch into Champions League mode with the reception of Liverpool in the quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday, April 8.
PSG will not play on April 11, as its match at Lens has been postponed to May 13, and will then travel to Anfield on Tuesday, April 14, for the second leg of the quarterfinal. Liverpool, for their part, will host Fulham on April 11, but will first travel to Manchester City on Saturday, April 4, in the FA Cup quarterfinal, before heading to the Parc des Princes.
Salah Expected to Return on Saturday Against City
According to the latest reports from the English press, Liverpool is hoping to have Mohamed Salah back against City. The Egyptian suffered a muscle injury against Galatasaray on March 18 and subsequently pulled out of the match against Brighton as well as Egypt's two matches during the international break.
The Times and The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Salah has responded well to the treatment he has received in recent days and that there is a degree of confidence surrounding his availability against the Sky Blues and, by extension, against PSG in the Champions League. Alexander Isak, who has been injured since last December, could also make his long-awaited return against Manchester City, according to the latest English reports.
Isak Available Against PSG, but What About Alisson?
The Swedish center forward is expected to return to group training this week, and Arne Slot had said before the break that he should normally be available against PSG, while noting that he would certainly not be at 100% after four months without playing. More should be known by Wednesday or Thursday regarding the Swede, once the internationals have returned to Liverpool.
While Salah and Isak have a chance of being available against PSG in eight days, that does not appear to be the case for Alisson Becker. According to The Guardian, "the news is less encouraging for Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper," who is still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained on the eve of the match against Brighton on March 21.
The author of an exceptional performance at the Parc des Princes last year, the 33-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper withdrew from the international break and remains very doubtful for the clashes against Manchester City and PSG. If his absence is confirmed, it will be Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili who starts in goal on April 8 at the Parc des Princes.
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