Time for Isak & Wirtz to prove they are the future for Liverpool

Breaking news from the world of sport: Time for Isak and Wirtz to prove themselves Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have only started eight games together for Liverpool By Aadam Patel Football reporter Published 29 minutes ago As Mohamed Salah waved goodbye to the Anfield crowd on Saturday after getting injured, the manner of his reaction and that of all those in the ground suggested that deep down, both player and supporters knew it could be the final time. Thankfully for Liverpool supporters, the side's manager Arne Slot confirmed on Friday the Egyptian is expected return to action before the end of the season after sustaining a minor muscle injury. For now, what is certain is Liverpool will head to Old Trafford this weekend without the man that has a formidable record against Manchester United .

With 13 goals in 16 games against United, no player has scored more than Salah in the Premier League era against them. Against the other five 'big six' teams in the Premier League, Salah has contributed a mammoth 49 goals and 22 assists for the Reds. Without him, Liverpool need others to take responsibility and notably the focus will intensify on Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz as they take on United, Chelsea and Aston Villa over the next fortnight.

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Put simply, both need to step up after a challenging season and Slot knows part of his tenure will ultimately be judged on his ability to get the best out of the two most expensive signings in Premier League history. In the aftermath of Liverpool 's Champions League exit to Paris St-Germain, Slot insisted the future is bright. Eyebrows were certainly raised after that comment but if Liverpool can put in a string of performances in their remaining games then perhaps the Dutchman has a point.

Integral to that will be Isak and Wirtz. Last Saturday saw both of the summer signings, who cost a combined £241m, score against Crystal Palace but Isak is yet to complete 90 minutes as a Liverpool player after a season plagued with injury while Wirtz has impressed in moments but is still awaiting a statement performance for the side. German Wirtz is yet to score or provide an assist against any of the Premier League teams currently occupying the European places but when that was put to Slot on Friday, he insisted that's a "coincidence" and said he is "100% sure" Wirtz will start delivering in the bigger games.

Meanwhile, Isak managed just 18 touches against Palace but that was still more than the nine he got against Everton and the five against PSG in the other games he's started since returning from injury. The goal he scored - the Swede's first in the Premier League for Liverpool at Anfield - will only do the 26-year-old's confidence a world of good. "In terms of what I've seen, everyone knows and sees and experiences as team-mates how outstanding he is.

It is about getting games, confidence but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that's the main trigger for him," said Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.