Liverpool return to European duties with a Champions League home clash against Real Madrid, spelling the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Anfield

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that manager Arne Slot should stick with in-form Hugo Ekitike over Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak start to life at Liverpool has been far from smooth, and Arne Slot has shared a disappointing injury update ahead of their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. There were high hopes when Isak arrived to spearhead the Reds' attack after his British-record move from Newcastle United,

Alexander Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a record-breaking fee in the summer, but the striker has not made the same impact as his fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa to end their four-game losing streak in the Premier League. Pressure was piling on Arne Slot after the Reds slumped to ninth in the table, but even without a number of key players, the champions were able to sweep Villa aside to move back up to third.

Real Madrid know this setting all too well, having frustrated Liverpool in recent years, although Slot has added fresh rhythms to this team, leaning on intensity, clever positional play and decisiveness in transition. The challenge now is maintaining momentum without key figures.

As far as problems go, Arne Slot currently boasts football’s most luxurious: Hugo Ekitiké or Alexander Isak? The Reds have been flirting with crisis following their recent defeat to Manchester United,

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak may need to undergo surgery to fully overcome a persistent groin injury, and Newcastle United won't be care one bit after his controversial exit.