Clubs face each other on Monday night with the contentious No 9 unavailable
Arne Slot has played down the idea that Alexander Isak’s absence will weaken Newcastle ahead of their trip to Anfield, insisting Eddie Howe’s side carry enough attacking quality to cause problems without their leading striker.
Isak, who scored twice against Liverpool last season including in the Carabao Cup final, will not play Monday night’s fixture after falling out with the club.
But Slot does not think this makes his side’s job any easier, and was quick to highlight the depth of Newcastle’s forward options.
“He scored against us in the League Cup final, and he scored against us in the away game [last season], so if they have him, he’s a big threat,” said Slot.
“But like any other team in the Premier League, if one is injured or not there, it’s not like the manager has to look at his bench and say, ‘now I have no one to play anymore’.”
Newcastle arrive at Anfield looking to get their season on the right track after a disappointing draw against ten-man Aston Villa last weekend. In that game, Howe was forced to field winger Anthony Gordon as a false nine.
Slot said: “For them to play Gordon, [Anthony] Elanga and [Harvey] Barnes and still having [Jacob] Murphy on the bench like last time, maybe it changes this game, it tells you how much quality they still have available.”
