Arne Slot has explained why he substituted Liverpool striker Alexander Isak at half-time during the Reds' 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday evening
22:48, 22 Oct 2025
Alexander Isak (Liverpool FC) looks on during the Champions League group game between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at the Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany, on October 22, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak was withdrawn at half-time against Eintracht Frankfurt(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has explained that Alexander Isak was substituted due to a groin problem.
The Swedish striker was withdrawn at half-time and replaced by Federico Chiesa as the Reds thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1. It marked yet another disappointing outing for Isak, who remained largely anonymous throughout the first half of Liverpool's triumph.
The ex-Newcastle ace struggled to pose any danger as Slot witnessed five of his players find the back of the net. Isak's strike partner Hugo Ekitike netted the opener, maintaining his promising form in Liverpool red.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate both scored headers, whilst Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai also found the target to end Liverpool's barren spell.
Isak has managed just one goal since completing his British record move to Anfield and is yet to show his true capabilities following a disrupted pre-season campaign. The striker has only scored against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and has drawn a blank in both the Champions League and Premier League.
Alexander Isak (Liverpool FC) shoots on goal during the Champions League group game between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at the Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany, on October 22, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Isak struggled to lead the line for Liverpool again(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Slot voiced his disappointment regarding Isak's latest injury blow, with the forward continuing to struggle for rhythm at the Reds. The Dutch boss acknowledged the difficulty in finding the right approach with the player.
Slot commented after the match: "He had to go off the pitch because he felt his groin a little bit, which is a pity.
"I've said many times it is such a difficult balance to find with a player that missed three months. You go slowly with him and people argue about playing him longer.
"We've now played him for the second time in three days and unfortunately he had to go off. Let's hope for the best but it is not an easy balance to find when a player has been out for so long."
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Ekitike, however, remains optimistic about his partnership with Isak. "I think it was good," he commented. "It wasn't the best half together but we can improve together, he is a very good player. The links will come."
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The French striker also shared his thoughts on his impressive start at Anfield, having netted six goals this season. "I feel good, I have very good team-mates.
"I love my life. I just hope I am going to keep going. I am calm and I'm just going to keep doing my thing."