Liverpool coach Arne Slot appeared at a press conference to talk about tomorrow's match against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium.

Regarding Alexander Isak's return, he said: "It's too early to expect him to start. He trained with us yesterday and today after 101 days of injury. He will need some time to get a lot of playing minutes, and we will gradually integrate him with caution. It's very good to have him in training, and it will be even better to have him available for matches."

He added about the possibility of his participation against Manchester City: "Is he ready to play a few minutes? That's a tough question, as he might only be able to play for 10 minutes and the match could go into extra time. It wouldn't make sense for him to start."

He continued: "I see Isak now in much better physical condition, but transitioning from 100 days of absence to the intensity of the English Premier League is difficult. I am happy to have the number 9 available behind or alongside Hugo Ekitike, and this is a positive thing. After a good preparation period in the next season, more can be expected from him, but even his current state represents a big step forward for us."

He continued: "Facing Manchester City after two defeats against them in the league? I think we have felt several times this season the importance of taking the lead from the start; we have struggled in this aspect. Leading 1-0 or 2-0 is much easier than drawing. Scoring goals is vital, so I'm happy with Alex's return. We have a larger crowd than usual due to the FA Cup, and I wouldn't be surprised if we are louder than them."

Regarding the team's performance in major matches: "It has been difficult to handle the number of matches we've played. Facing Manchester City came just three days after we played against Real Madrid, and that was our biggest issue this season, not the match itself. We have proven that we are a high-quality team; we played better against Manchester City at home and did not deserve to lose. There was a refereeing decision that was not in our favor, as Mohamed Salah was unfairly sent off. Now we have to prove our progress in an away match, which is naturally more challenging."

Regarding Alisson's injury: "Alisson is currently unavailable and will not participate against Paris Saint-Germain either; he will be out for a longer period. We expect his return towards the end of the season."

Regarding the team's condition: "Mohamed Salah has returned, but unfortunately, Alisson is still absent. I believe more players have become accustomed to the match schedule than they were at the start of the season. Now we have to show that we are ready for this tough list of matches, both in terms of the strength of the opponents and the lack of rest between games. After eight or nine months since the start of the season, I think most players are more prepared for this schedule compared to the first half of the season."

He concluded: "Mohamed Salah, yes, he is available, he trained with us yesterday and today and will be ready for tomorrow's match. What he has done for the club over the years is incredible, every three days he scores goals, provides decisive passes, and leaves a significant impact on the team and winning titles. I hope he can add two more titles this season, Salah always gives his all for the club, and he will try to continue doing so until the end of the season."