Slot believes Isak is not ready to play the full 90 minutes.

The 33rd round of the 2025/26 Premier League season will feature a Merseyside derby, with Liverpool traveling to Hill Dickinson Stadium to challenge Everton. Sloot stated that this will be a special match, noting that Swedish striker Isak, who is set to return to the pitch, has yet to play a full 90 minutes.

Liverpool defeated Fulham 2-0 in the last round of the league, thanks to goals from Ngumoha and Salah. After a run of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last 5 matches, Liverpool currently sit 5th in the standings with 52 points, continuing their pursuit of Champions League qualification.

However, in the earlier Champions League quarter-final second leg, Liverpool conceded two goals in the second half and were ultimately eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain 0-2 at Anfield, thus failing to compete for the title this season.

Liverpool manager Sloot said: "It's always a very special game. Whether it's the 60th game at this stadium, the last game, or the first game, it makes the game even more special. This game is very significant for Everton, but it's also significant for us. Perhaps because it's the first meeting at the new stadium, it adds another one or two percentage points to the specialness, just like the last game at Goodison Park last season."

"The players showed a strong attitude against Paris Saint-Germain, but it is very difficult to be the better team against them, especially when you have to play three games in seven days while they have only played two. Their physical recovery is very good, and many of our players have broken records in terms of fitness data, which shows how well they are in physical condition and how well they are prepared for the game."

In their head-to-head record, Liverpool have won 3, drawn 1, and lost 1 of their last 5 matches against Everton. However, Ektić suffered a serious injury in the match against Paris Saint-Germain, ending his season and dealing a significant blow to Liverpool's attack. But Isak, who had been sidelined for a long time due to injury, has recovered, so the striker must step up and play a crucial role.

Sloth commented, "It's great that Isak is back now, although this isn't the first time this season I've lacked a specific type of player in a certain position. For example, there have been many games where I didn't have a suitable full-back, and we made adjustments accordingly. It's good that Isak is back, but we also know he's not ready to play a full 90 minutes yet."

“Although there are other players who can play in this position, and these players are increasingly appearing in different positions throughout their careers, it is very important that Gakopo performed very well in the second half against Paris Saint-Germain.”

In addition, Slot also said, "The ideal situation would be if Ekitic hadn't been injured. It would have been better if this had happened two or three weeks later, because Isak can't play a full 90 minutes right now. But it also depends on the intensity of the game, because we never know how the game will turn out."

“Isaac is getting closer and closer to his best form, and we need him now. Of course, there are other options in the striker position, Chiesa being one of them. So we still have choices, and with Ekidtik injured, Isak’s return at this time is undoubtedly a good thing.”

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