Isak fitness latest as Liverpool debut draws near

Sweden provide update on new signing

Liverpool supporters eager to see Alexander Isak in red will have to be patient. The striker, who sealed a £125m British-record transfer from Newcastle on Deadline Day, has yet to reach full fitness. Sweden offered an update as he joined their squad for the current international break.

Isak has not played this season after training separately from the Newcastle first team while pushing for a move to Merseyside. He was absent throughout pre-season too, which leaves him short of sharpness ahead of his anticipated debut.

Tomasson cautious with his approach

Despite his lack of minutes, Isak was called up by Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. After conversations with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and medical staff from both camps, the decision was made to manage his return carefully.

“He [Isak] had only done three training sessions with the team,” Tomasson explained to Viaplay after the game.
“No pre-season with the team and of course no playing time. The risk is probably a bit too great to use him today.”

Isak was included in the matchday squad for the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in Ljubljana but remained on the bench during a 2-2 draw. Former Newcastle man Anthony Elanga featured instead, partnering Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres, and opened the scoring.

Chance of action in Kosovo

Attention now turns to Sweden’s second Group B fixture against Kosovo in Pristina. Tomasson is optimistic that Isak could play a role, albeit from the bench.

“Hopefully, hopefully. As a game-changer,” said the former Blackburn boss.

Liverpool plans after the break

Liverpool resume their campaign with a Premier League trip to Burnley before hosting Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and welcoming Everton for the Merseyside derby. Slot would welcome an extra option in attack, but the focus is firmly on ensuring Isak’s fitness is built up properly before his introduction. The £125m signing will not be rushed, yet there is a growing expectation that his first appearance will not be far away.