Isak and Wirtz must step up if Liverpool want to move forward in 2026

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is expected back soon after a minor injury, but Isak and Wirtz must deliver against United, Chelsea, and Villa.

Salah's absence at Old Trafford When Mohamed Salah left Anfield on Saturday with an injury, both the player and fans appeared to sense it could be his final appearance at the stadium. Fortunately, Liverpool's manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that the Egyptian will return before the season ends after suffering a minor muscle injury. Until then, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford without the club's record Premier League scorer against Manchester United, who has netted 13 goals in 16 games against the Red Devils. ## Isak and Wirtz under the spotlight With Salah sidelined, the focus shifts to Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who must step up during the next two weeks against United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. Both were signed for a combined £241 million, making them the most expensive Premier League arrivals in history. Arne Slot's tenure may be judged on his ability to unlock their potential, especially after a tough campaign where neither has consistently delivered. ## Reactions after Champions League exit Following Liverpool's Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, Slot insisted the future remains bright, a statement that raised eyebrows. If the Reds can string together strong performances in their remaining fixtures, the Dutch manager may prove correct, and the contributions of Isak and Wirtz will be crucial. The duo must rise to the occasion to silence doubts about their impact. ## Isak's struggles and glimmers of hope Alexander Isak has yet to play 90 minutes for Liverpool this season due to injuries, though he scored against Crystal Palace last Saturday, his first Premier League goal for the club at Anfield. Despite managing just 18 touches in that match, it was more than the nine he had against Everton and the five versus PSG in his other starts since returning. Virgil van Dijk praised Isak's quality, stating, 'Everyone knows and sees how outstanding he is. It is about getting games, confidence, but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that’s the main trigger for him.' ## Slot's confidence in Wirtz's growth Florian Wirtz, who turns 23, has shown flashes of brilliance but is still searching for a standout performance in the Premier League. Arne Slot dismissed concerns about his lack of goals or assists against teams in European spots, calling it a 'coincidence,' and insisted, 'I am 100% sure he will start delivering in the bigger games.' Wirtz himself admitted the physicality of English football initially challenged him but noted he has improved physically since joining from Bayer Leverkusen. ## Isak and Wirtz's connection key Both Isak and Wirtz need to link up more effectively, with Hugo Ekitike currently unavailable. Wirtz emphasized the importance of feeding Isak with balls, stating, 'It’s important that we feed him with balls because if he’s just there on top alone then it’s hard for him to score goals.' Wirtz has contributed seven goals and 10 assists this season, but believes he must elevate his game further to meet expectations. ## Slot praises Wirtz's development Arne Slot highlighted Florian Wirtz's clear progress since arriving at Liverpool, noting his improved physicality and game intelligence. Slot pointed to Wirtz's winning throw-in in stoppage time against Crystal Palace and a 40-yard sprint to curl the ball into the top corner as evidence of his growth. 'The development Florian has made in his Liverpool career is so clear and obvious,' Slot said. 'His improvement—and he was already an elite player—will only continue as he is only 22.' ## Future signings and immediate challenges Liverpool are reportedly interested in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old versatile winger, though competition from other European clubs is expected. A new arrival could support Isak and Wirtz next season, but the immediate task is proving their worth now. Victory against Manchester United would propel Liverpool to third place on goal difference, a notable achievement given their struggles this season. ## Potential and the road ahead Champions League qualification is nearly guaranteed, but a strong finish could demonstrate what Liverpool are capable of when everything clicks. The performances of Isak and Wirtz will be pivotal in that regard, though whether they can fulfill their immense potential remains uncertain. A win over United would provide a statement of intent, but much still hinges on the duo stepping up in the coming weeks.