The Swedish forward tried to force a move away from Newcastle by opting out of the Magpies’ pre-season plans, and ultimately got his wish on deadline day, but arrived on Merseyside without match sharpness.
The 26-year-old has just scored once in his first eight games for the Reds and suffered another setback when he left with a groin injury during last month’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, which remains his most recent appearance for his club.
Isak makes candid fitness confession
Isaac came off the couch for the final 27 minutes of Sweden’s 4-1 defeat by Switzerland on Saturday evening, and after that match he admitted he had not been at 100% in recent weeks.
The Liverpool striker spoke about his fitness (via Sportbladet): “It hasn’t been optimal, but when I’m on the pitch I don’t give myself excuses. I always want to play my game and perform, but yes, it’s difficult to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I’m back and I’m positive.”
“There’s not a lot that’s easy in football, but with experience you learn to deal with things. That’s how it goes with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way.”
Isak added that his body felt ‘good’ after his substitute appearance last night and he hopes to ‘play well’ against Slovenia on Tuesday, with national coach Graham Potter having sent somewhat mixed signals ahead of the match against Switzerland.
Slot must find a way to get Isak on the field regularly
The 26-year-old will have wanted to repay the amount quickly Transfer fee of 125 million euros that Liverpool have invested in him, but fitness issues have limited his involvement so far. It has been clear from his performances so far that his sharpness is a far cry from the level he showed at Newcastle last season.
Reds fans could be conflicted over whether or not to include him in Sweden’s match against Slovenia. There is nothing wrong for either country, but the striker needs the minutes on the field after playing so little football in recent months.
It would be almost impossible for Arne Slot to leave out Hugo Ekitike when the Frenchman is playing so impressively, leaving the LFC head coach with a three-fold dilemma?
Does he leave out the 23-year-old to give Isak the playing time he clearly needs? Does he find a way to get them both into his preferred formation and move one from his natural position? Does he change his formation to play with a centre-forward duo?
The unforgiving schedule (Liverpool still have nine games to play before the end of 2025) should provide opportunities for both strikers to get plenty of minutes, as long as they can avoid further injury setbacks.
The former Newcastle man will be particularly desperate to get on the pitch and get his season off to a late start after what has clearly been a frustrating autumn for him.
You can watch Slot’s full post-Man City press conference via Kingdom of the Kop on YouTube:
#Alexander #Isak #candidly #admits #fit #subperformance #emphatic #defeat #Sweden