Paul Joyce delivers mixed Liverpool injury update following training session ahead of Real Madrid showdown

Liverpool received a mix of positive and negative updates on the injury front ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Ryan Gravenberch made a successful return from an ankle problem, scoring in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend. However, the Reds were still without several key players, including Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong. Arne Slot also had to cope without Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones, both of whom he had earlier suggested were “99.9% sure” to miss the match. Now, it appears one of them could make a comeback against Los Blancos.

Journalist Paul Joyce provided an update on X after Liverpool’s Monday training session at Kirkby, reporting: “Alexander Isak misses Liverpool training ahead of Real Madrid. Curtis Jones back with [the] group.”

While Jones’ return offers encouragement, Isak’s injury struggles continue to frustrate. The Swedish forward has endured a stop-start beginning to life at Anfield since his record transfer from Newcastle two months ago. After gradually regaining match fitness, he suffered a groin injury in the win over Eintracht Frankfurt last month and has been sidelined since.

The extra recovery time before Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City next Sunday could help him return for that match, but he’s expected to miss the Real Madrid game—another setback in his early LFC career.

On a brighter note, Jones’ availability boosts Liverpool’s midfield depth ahead of tomorrow’s tie. Given how strong the trio of Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai looked on Saturday, Slot may stick with the same setup, though having Jones back provides a valuable option.

Slot is expected to deliver a full injury update on both players during his pre-match press conference later today.