Arne Slot gives new Liverpool injury details and Alexander Isak hint ahead of Newcastle clash

Ahead of Newcastle United's visit to Anfield, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has provided further knowledge on the latest injury blow that will keep right back Conor Bradley sidelined.

In a taster for what may be to come in next months' Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, Eddie Howe's team travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. They do so knowing they have the firepower to cause problems as the reverse fixture ended in a three-all draw.

And in Liverpool's weakest department, Slot has confirmed he will be without back-up on the right side of defence for Wednesday's match against Newcastle.

"Conor doesn't [train with us] - he is out for a few weeks, so I cannot exactly tell how many but it is clear he went off with a muscle injury. It is going to take a while before he is back," he divulged at his pre-match press conference.

This adds to the hamstring problem suffered by Joe Gomez this month, which Slot explained last week had required surgery and a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

So, this may spell joy for Anthony Gordon as he returns to his home town. With a goal in the reverse fixture, the 24-year-old will be up against Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was dribbled past 11 times by Manchester City's Jeremy Doku on Sunday.

Also for Alexander Isak too, with 14 goals scored since his strike when Wednesday's opponent visited St James' Park in December, though Slot feels his team will be capable of stopping the in-form striker.

"It's an understatement to say he's in fine form - I think he's in excellent form. The good thing for us is that we've got two centre backs that are probably one of the best players that are able to play against him.

"What I mean with that is that we have got two very, very good centre backs and that is what you need if you face a striker with the quality of Alexander Isak."

Reds midfielder Alexis Mac Allister had also posted an image to social media of a nasty-looking black eye sustained in that City match, though his head coach has confirmed: "I think he will [be fine]. He will train with us today."

As for the Magpies' fitness doubts, Howe has also spoken to the media on Tuesday morning and said Sandro Tonali came through Sunday's win against Nottingham Forest without any issues and Sven Botman "will be close" to returning after three matches out.