Liverpool Boss Confirms Massive Blow but Stays Mum on Alexander Isak

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has unsurprisingly declined to comment on potential transfers for Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi, who are reportedly major targets for the Reds before the summer window closes.

On Monday, the Merseysiders travel to Newcastle, and the Dutchman spoke today about their opponents, a key injury in the Reds' camp, and his expectations for the final days of the transfer period.

"There's not much I can tell you. And if someone else asks this question, the answer will be the same," Slot said, referring to questions about Isak and Guehi. "So, as I've said many times, and as was shown on Friday, I can influence a match with the people I have on the bench. So it's much better to talk about the players we have. But I understand why you're asking."

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"My view on the Newcastle match has nothing to do with what's being said in the media. When you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect. We played them three times last season, and twice their intensity levels were above ours. I don't think they need anything extra to be intense at St James' Park. They are a very good team. They can perform well. They have players who are so good on the ball. One of the best teams and one of the toughest opponents in the league," stated the Dutchman.

Slot revealed that new signing Jeremie Frimpong, who was substituted due to injury in the first match of the season, will be unavailable until after the international break in September. Conor Bradley, meanwhile, only resumed training on Thursday after his own injury, so he is also unlikely to be ready for the trip to St James' Park.

"Conor Bradley trained with us for a few minutes today for the first time. The medical team was absolutely right to take Jeremie off because he will be out until after the international break. We thought Jeremie had a hamstring problem. The medical team was correct. A good decision on their part, as otherwise, he could have been out for even longer," added Slot.

"Jeremie has a very positive injury record. Conor was out once or twice last season. These things happen. We only have two injuries at the same time, but they are in the same position. Wataru Endo has played there. Dominik Szoboszlai has as well. Joe Gomez is definitely one of them, but playing 20 minutes was a lot for him at that moment. He couldn't train for three consecutive days with the team at full throttle. That's normal when you've been out for so long. He is training with the team, so we'll see how he feels and if he can be involved on Monday."

When asked what he expects from the final days of the summer transfer window, Slot replied: "I don't think these two weeks will be busy. That would mean I'm unhappy with the squad, and I'm very happy. Having two players for each position is ideal, but I'd prefer fewer rather than more, as I'd have to disappoint a lot of people. But if there are players who can really make us better, then the club has shown it can sign them. But only if things are right – the right player, price, and position."

"At times, we were too open in the last two matches. We need to find the right balance. That balance will be better with Ryan Gravenberch. Now we have to play against Newcastle and Arsenal, who are usually above Bournemouth in the table. With Macca and Ryan in his usual position, I expect us to be better in those situations. For us to concede two goals in a home match is too much," the Liverpool manager added regarding the defensive errors in the matches against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.