A number of players could be making their Champions League debuts for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night
Isak could make his Liverpool debut against Atletico
Alexander Isak is poised to make his Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, but he is not the only Reds player who could be in line for a maiden appearance. Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the Swede had been included in his squad to face the La Liga outfit.
"There is definitely a chance, because he is in the squad," the Dutchman said when asked if the striker could feature against Atletico. "Then there is a chance to play.
"Normally I would say 99.9% sure, but I can say it’s 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he is part of the squad. The only thing that is sure is he will not play 90, and all the rest you will see tomorrow.”
It remains to be seen if Isak is deemed fit enough to start or is instead limited to an appearance off the bench against Atletico.
But either way, he will be part of an extended matchday squad with sides permitted to name up to 12 substitutes for Champions League action as opposed to nine in the Premier League.
As a result of that expanded quota, Giovanni Leoni is set to return to the Liverpool matchday squad after failing to make Slot’s 20-man quota against either Arsenal or Burnley.
A £26m summer signing from Parma, the 18-year-old will hope to start when the Reds face Southampton in the League Cup next week.
But should he be handed minutes against Atletico, he will be making both his Liverpool and Champions League debut.
Fellow summer signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez could also make their maiden European appearances for the Reds, while the Hungarian could actually also make his first ever appearance in the Champions League if selected.
Find more about Arne Slot reveals Champions League rule change he would make after Liverpool frustration
Find more about Alisson Becker admits 'difficult to talk' over PSG as Liverpool deal with changes
Find more about Diego Simeone sends 'hurt' Liverpool pledge as he makes emotional Anfield admission
Find more about When Alexander Isak can make his Liverpool debut after £125m striker misses Burnley
Find more about Atletico Madrid handed injury scare before Champions League clash with Liverpool
Find more about Alexander Isak Liverpool selection hint dropped as mixed injury news emerges
Find more about Julian Alvarez sends Liverpool message amid Champions League clash as transfer swap plan emerges
Find more about I hope Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike don't do what I did after signing for Liverpool
Giorgi Mamardashvili has also never played in the competition before and is set for a place on the bench.
He could be joined by fellow goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, with the shot-stopper potentially set to be included in a Liverpool matchday squad for the first time if Slot wishes to make full use of his maximum 12-man substitutes bench.
Elsewhere, Rio Ngumoha is also in line to make his Champions League and European debut for the Reds if selected.