Liverpool star faces late fitness test vs Galatasaray as Isak injury update emerges

Liverpool manager Arne Slot refused to set a timeframe for Alexander Isak's return to the squad as he accelerates his rehabilitation from a fractured leg - though Joe Gomez may be in contention to face Galatasaray on Wednesday evening. The Swedish international, 26, broke his fibula in December and was forced to have surgery as a result. Isak, who arrived at Liverpool in a British-record deal during the summer, was seen training alone ahead of the Reds' crucial Champions League encounter with Galatasaray.

While the image of Isak back on the training ground provides an encouraging lift for the Premier League champions, Slot was swift to stress that a first-team comeback is not on the horizon. He did, nevertheless, provide a more positive update on Gomez, who could participate in Liverpool's second leg despite being absent from training on Tuesday. Slot's side must overturn a 1-0 deficit to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.

"Alex is not available and Joe we will decide tomorrow," the Liverpool manager stated on Tuesday afternoon. "[Gomez] wasn't ready to train today. He had too many issues after the last game although he had the issues after the Galatasaray.

"[It] wasn't the plan to play against Tottenham but Ibou [Konate] felt his hamstring and didn't want to risk him. He is going to try tomorrow, Joe.

"The fact you see Alex on the pitch shows he is getting closer. He won't be available Saturday either. No timescale. If you have done months on the individual session it's quite a step up to train with the team and then it's a step up to play in Premier League and Champions League."

Gomez participated in the underwhelming 1-1 stalemate against Tottenham at the weekend, but his potential absence could leave Slot with a defensive conundrum.

Ibrahima Konate could step into the breach at the core of Liverpool's defence if Gomez is not given the go-ahead to take on Galatasaray.