Liverpool are preparing to take on rivals Manchester United this coming Sunday with a host of first-team stars away with their national sides during the international break
Liverpool's Alexander Isak during a training session at the AXA Training Centre
Alexander Isak is yet to score in the Premier League for Liverpool
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Liverpool will soon be getting set to face Manchester United. And new frontman Alexander Isak will be on the hunt for his first Premier League goal under Arne Slot.
A 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last month ended the Reds' perfect start to this campaign and that result was followed by two more losses - to Galatasaray in the Champions League and another late on at Chelsea. Ruben Amorim's visit Anfield next, with Liverpool looking to bounce back.
Alexander Isak warning sounded
Isak has scored just the once as a Liverpool player so far but comes with a hefty reputation after signing for a British record fee from Newcastle. But Liverpool hero Owen thinks it is too early to doubt him and has warned any pessimists to write him and the Reds off at their peril.
"Alexander Isak is coming back after not really having a pre-season, so he's coming in and out of the starting XI to try and get sharp and fit," Owen told the Liverpool Echo.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool
Owen has warned people not to write Isak off
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"If I was putting a fan's hat on, I'd be relaxed overall. I'd be obviously disappointed with the Chelsea defeat, but Stamford Bridge is a tough place to go, it's never easy.
"I certainly can't remember ever winning there as a player. That game could have gone either way, and it's not like Liverpool are playing badly. I wouldn't be as hot and bothered as some people. It just shows how fickle football is and how quick it can change."
Andy Robertson addresses Scotland boos
Another Liverpool star who has been off with his national side is defender Robertson. His Scotland enjoyed two wins from two over the international break, beating Belarus 2-1 on Sunday and going joint-top of UEFA World Cup qualifying Group C.
But some were not convinced. It was expected Steve Clarke's side would best the winless Belarus by more than a single goal and after the full-time whistle boos could be heard from the Hampden crowd.
Andy Robertson speaking ahead of Denmark vs Scotland
Robertson responded to the boos
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Robertson addressed this discontent, saying: "It doesn't feel good, we can be honest with that. It doesn't feel like a win at the minute, and I think you can see that by our reaction at the end, which is hugely frustrating. The performance is nowhere near where we need it to be.
"It's a hugely frustrating night - we felt that in the stands. We'll take that on board, but come November, we've got the chance to go to a World Cup and that's what we're focused on."
Mario Balotelli opens up about struggles
Ex-Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli endured a tough 24 months on the books at Anfield after a £16m move. He scored just four goals in 28 appearances during the 2014/15 season before being shipped off to AC Milan on loan.
He would then sign for Nice and since leaving Liverpool he has played for seven different clubs. But after departing Italian side Genoa he is currently unemployed and admits he has reached a "dead end."
Mario Balotelli at Genoa
Balotelli is currently without a club
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"To be honest, I'm at a dead end," Balotelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Physically, I feel good, I'm training for myself. This summer, I had offers from abroad, but secretly I hoped to stay in Italy for another year or two. But that opportunity never came.
"I'm fit and just waiting for the right opportunity. Football is still my life, but I only want to come back when I feel I can really contribute again."
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