Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a reassuring update on Alexander Isak's fitness, confirming the Swedish striker is expected to return before the end of the season after missing the dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

Isak was notably absent from the matchday squad at Old Trafford due to a minor groin issue, sparking concerns among fans that his campaign might be over. However, Slot moved quickly to ease those fears, stating: "No, he isn't. We're expecting him to be back very soon."

The injury setback couldn't have come at a worse time for Liverpool, who were looking to close the gap at the top of the table. But Slot refused to use Isak's absence—or any other missing players—as an excuse for the result. "I haven't spoken about missing players, and I'm not talking about it now," he said firmly.

Indeed, the Reds produced a spirited second-half performance that nearly turned the tide. "If you can play a second half as we did, there's no necessity to have other players here. We were able, with this team, to have a chance of winning this game and we were quite close," Slot added.

The Dutch manager did, however, point to a recurring issue that has plagued his side this season: momentary lapses in concentration. "As always, one moment of switching off immediately leads to us conceding a goal. So many times this season it was waiting for us to score one and then we conceded because we switched off for one or two seconds in a crucial moment."

With Isak's return imminent, Liverpool fans can look forward to having their key attacking threat back on the pitch for the crucial run-in. In the meantime, the squad will need to sharpen their focus if they hope to turn promising performances into victories.