Alexander Isak has suffered a nightmare start at Liverpool and every Newcastle United supporter is loving it.
Arne Slot remains puzzled on how to get his Liverpool players firing after ruling Alexander Isak out this weekend.
Newcastle United supporters were hardly surprised to see the Swede limp off with a groin injury against Eintracht Frankfurt 10 days ago. Three of Isak’s six setbacks during his time at St James' Park were in this area.
Previously adored on Tyneside, the 26-year-old is now public enemy No.1 after refusing to train or play as he forced through a Liverpool move. Toon new boy Nick Woltemade - with six goals to his name - has put Isak’s measly Carabao Cup strike to shame in the opening months of the campaign.
Arne Slot rules Alexander Isak out
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa, Slot confirmed Isak will almost certainly be sidelined. The Dutchman also suggested the number of games the striker will play at Liverpool compared to Newcastle is something he must get used to.
“Ryan (Gravenberch) trained yesterday, Isak and (Curtis) Jones didn't yet,” Slot said. “Ryan will train with us today and we'll make the call if he can start. The other two (will) 99.9 per cent not (be) in the squad.
"We handle the situation as it is. Alex, let me use as an example, pre-season was inside the season. People ask why he plays? Otherwise, I have to play Hugo every game. Both strikers played 34 games last season. We play 60 over here, so I need Alex to have as many games as he can.
“It's not an excuse but it was a bit different than last season. Last season they all had one year PL experience as a minimum, they stayed fit. Now some have to play more than you want them to but it is just the situation as it is. We have enough (players) to play the games but I have to take care of a few of them.”
Surgery claims emerge
In worrying news for Liverpool, Ben Dinnery, an injury specialist, has suggested he may require surgery. He told the Liverpool Echo: “With Isak, I might have even had an interview earlier this year or last year about the possibility of discussions being had behind the scenes about how best to manage Alexander Isak.
“Now, of course, there is never a 100 per cent success rate guarantee with these surgeries so that’s why it’s not a decision that is taken lightly. The Isak situation, we know that it’s very minor, more of a niggle, but he is being managed.”
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Eddie Howe downplays Arne Slot beef
When asked by reporters a week ago about Arne Slot appearing to blame Newcastle for Isak’s poor fitness, Eddie Howe said: “I don’t think that’s wise for me to get involved in those discussions. Alex is no longer at this football club so I won’t comment on that. I think the setup here is very good. It’s not perfect, we have things to improve and grow, but the owners here have developed the facilities here very well since I’ve been here.
“There’s building work going on to hopefully make us even better in the future. I don't have to (bat for supporters against Slot). I’m not going to do that. But you obviously know what my answer would be. It’s best that I stay away from it.”
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