Isak Misses Real; Alisson, Frimpong Ruled Out

Liverpool ended a four-game losing run with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa to move up to third in the Premier League. Alexander Isak will miss Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Real Madrid with a groin problem and is “definitely not starting” but could be included in the squad for Sunday’s visit to Manchester City. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker and right-back Jeremie Frimpong have been ruled out until after the international break with hamstring injuries, while academy centre-back Giovanni Leoni is out for the season after ACL surgery. Curtis Jones has returned to training and Ryan Gravenberch came back from an ankle issue to score against Aston Villa. Manager Arne Slot warned that fixture congestion and player workloads are shaping selection decisions, with several academy players training with the first team as Liverpool juggle key absences and prepare for two high-profile fixtures.