Isak has not played for Liverpool since being injured while scoring in the 2-1 win over Tottenham on December 20, adding to a frustrating start to life on Merseyside following his record summer transfer from Newcastle.
Isak is now back in full team training and, while he was left out of the matchday squad against Manchester City at the weekend, has travelled with his team-mates to Paris.
“I was hoping[that Isak would be among the substitutes on Saturday], but you always do these things in co-operation with medical staff, performance staff and the player himself,” Slot said of Isak’s absence from the 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final loss.
“We came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions than only one or two and then immediately jump into a game like this, where if you bring him in there might be extra-time.
“The situation is now that I hope – again I hope – that he will be available for Wednesday, but [Saturday] came too early for him.”
If Isak does feature, he is expected to do so from the bench as his minutes are expected to be managed ahead of next week’s second leg and Liverpool’s battle for a top-four Premier League finish.
After hitting out at the manner in which his side capitulated at the Etihad Stadium, Slot would ideally like to ring the changes, but injuries mean his options are rather limited.
Hugo Ekitike is set to face his former club, but may start from the left once again - instead of Cody Gakpo - to allow Florian Wirtz to continue operating centrally after a bright start against Man City.
