Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a much-needed injury update ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown against Chelsea at Anfield, with two key players returning to training just in time.

The Reds have been battling a relentless injury crisis this season, and Slot recently summed up the frustration after Mohamed Salah's setback by saying, "Another win and another injury. It's the story of our season." But finally, there's a glimmer of positive news.

Swedish striker Alexander Isak and Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili have both returned to training at the AXA Training Centre, giving the squad a timely boost. Isak missed the defeat to Manchester United after picking up a groin problem in training, while Mamardashvili has been sidelined since suffering a nasty leg wound during the Merseyside derby.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot confirmed: "Alex trains with us again. Only yesterday for the first time. So that's a positive." He added, "Yesterday he did parts of it, so hopefully he can do parts – or everything – today and let's then see how much we're going to use him tomorrow."

There was also encouraging news on Mamardashvili. "Giorgi will train with us today for the first time, so let's see how he's going to react," Slot said.

Meanwhile, concerns over Ibou Konate and Florian Wirtz, who were both absent from earlier sessions this week, have been played down. Slot explained that Konate had a personal reason for missing training but has since returned, and Wirtz was simply unwell but is back in action.

However, Liverpool are still waiting on the return of two of their biggest stars, with no timeline yet for their comebacks. As the Reds prepare for a tough test against Chelsea, the return of Isak and Mamardashvili at least gives Slot more options to work with on the pitch.