Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on the fitness of striker Alexander Isak, amid growing concerns over an injury crisis at the club. The Swedish international, who arrived at Anfield this summer in a £125 million deal, has been sidelined with a groin injury.

Isak was forced off at halftime during Liverpool's 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last week with a groin issue. He subsequently missed the Reds' 3-2 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League.

Slot has now confirmed that Isak is "99.9%" unlikely to feature in Liverpool's upcoming Premier League clash against Aston Villa. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Slot stated that Isak had not yet resumed team training.

"Ryan [Gravenberch] trained with us yesterday and the other two didn't yet," Slot said. "As I said many times, in the phase of injuries, things can slow down or go faster. Let's see where we are. Ryan trained with us today, let's see if he trains with us today. The other are 99.9 percent not in the squad."

The news comes as a further blow to Liverpool, who are already grappling with a lengthy injury list. Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni are among the notable absentees. Midfielder Curtis Jones also remains doubtful for the Aston Villa game, having picked up an injury against Brentford.

However, there was some positive news for Liverpool fans, with Slot confirming that Ryan Gravenberch is back in training and in contention to feature against Aston Villa. The Dutch midfielder has been sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against Manchester United.

The Reds' injury woes have coincided with a poor run of form, with the team having lost six of their last seven games. The latest defeat came against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, increasing the pressure on Slot.

With Isak sidelined, Hugo Ekitike is likely to lead the line for Liverpool. However, an injury expert has suggested that Isak may require surgery to avoid further complications. Ben Dinnery told the Liverpool Echo that surgical intervention might be necessary to manage Isak's groin issues, especially considering his disrupted pre-season.

"With Isak, I might have even had an interview earlier this year of last year about the possibility of discussions being had behind the scenes about how best to manage Alexander Isak," Dinnery said. "Is there maybe a need to go under the knife? There will be a point where they look at that and discuss."

Liverpool fans will be hoping that Isak's injury is not too serious and that he can return to action soon to help turn around the team's fortunes.