MatchManchester City v Liverpool: Team news

The Sweden international resumed training with his teammates on Friday having been sidelined for four matches due to injury.

Slot did, though, caution that Isak will require time to get back up to full speed after missing several weeks of action.

"I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended so now it's time for us to see where he is. But I have to come back to those words," said Slot at his pre-match press conference.

"Because if you are three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn't bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago. Although, our rehab team is doing an incredible job.

"But you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team. As much as we try to replicate it, that's simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time."

Alisson Becker remains out but Slot expects the goalkeeper to be ready when the Reds return from the November international window against Nottingham Forest.

Jeremie Frimpong is also still unavailable and will require more time beyond that first game back, at home on November 22.

Giovanni Leoni is undergoing long-term recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

At left-back, Andy Robertson started each of the past three games, against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Real Madrid, aiding wins in the latter two.

Asked if the vice-captain will be ready to feature again in the 4.30pm GMT kick-off at Etihad Stadium, Slot said on Friday: "I had to take him off at the end of the [Real] game. For me, because I felt he was tired. But we have to wait and see.

"We had recovery the day after, it was a day off yesterday and now a two-day lead-in to City. So, let's see where he is today."

• Training photos: Behind the scenes of Liverpool's Friday session

Pep Guardiola revealed at his own pre-match briefing that Rodri is unlikely to be involved in the fixture, having been absent in the Champions League in midweek too.

"We'll see tomorrow but I think we won't take a risk," the City boss said of the midfielder.

"Now it's the international break afterwards. You have to define the moment that he feels strong, feels fit and can sustain the actions. The actions in the game are so demanding and [so] he can sustain it properly. To make that step.

"We are still in November, the best part of the season is ahead of us and we need him. Still we are playing without the Ballon d'Or [winner] of two seasons ago, a massively important player for us and we are desperate to have him back.

"[But] knowing that Nico right now has become a really, really important and good player."

On the challenge he expects this weekend, Guardiola - for whom this match is the 1,000th in his career as a manager - added: "We know the rival that we have. I saw the game against Madrid, the quality they have in all positions is outstanding. So, it's a top, top team.

"We are with our people, hopefully they come to celebrate my anniversary in the stadium and together we can beat an important rival."

Last match

Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid (November 4): Mamardashvili, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Ekitike.

Manchester City 4-1 Borussia Dortmund (November 5): Donnarumma, Nunes, Stones, Gvardiol, O'Reilly, Nico, Reijnders, Savinho, Foden, Doku, Haaland.