Jamie Carragher has doubled down on his Alexander Isak fears as he argued that the British transfer record's miserable start to life at Anfield has proved his point
08:21, 04 Nov 2025
Alexander Isak
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Alexander Isak continues to struggle at Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to make a return to Anfield as Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League. The clash between these two European giants on Tuesday marks the second successive season they've faced off.
Last season, it was Liverpool who emerged victorious with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo. This marked the Premier League sides' first triumph over the Spanish side since 2009.
Arne Slot's team will head into the match buoyed by a much-needed victory against Aston Villa over the weekend, which ended their four-match losing streak in the league. However, they face a formidable Madrid side who have won their last six matches across all competitions.
The Anfield faithful will undoubtedly be fired up, with Alexander-Arnold making his first appearance against his former team since his move to Spain last summer.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Liverpool news.
Isak fears continue
Alexander Isak
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Isak continues to struggle with form and fitness(Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has struggled at Anfield after his British record £125million move from Newcastle United, scoring only one goal in eight outings. The Sweden striker has battled to maintain fitness and has been sidelined since sustaining a groin problem during Liverpool's 5-1 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Having been absent for the previous three matches across all competitions, it has emerged that the 26-year-old has missed training before tonight's blockbuster encounter with Madrid, raising fresh worries about his fitness. With Hugo Ekitike set to spearhead the attack once more in Isak's absence, Slot acknowledged that the striker's fitness troubles stem from his lack of pre-season preparation.
Speaking before his team's victory against Aston Villa, the Dutch manager explained: "Let me use Alex as an example, he had to do his pre-season inside the season and people can then argue, 'Why do you play him?' But if I don't play him, I don't have him available and we need to have him available, because otherwise I have to play Hugo every single game.
"And I was just with Owen Hargreaves when he made the comparison between the two of them and he showed that one played 34 games last season, the other one 34 – and we play 60 over here. So, that's why I need to get Alex as soon as I can into playing as many games as he can."
Carragher on Isak and Ekitike
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Etihad Stadium on May 02, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Jamie Carragher has doubled down on his Alexander Isak fears(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Before the Swede's arrival, which happened more than a month after the Frenchman joined, Carragher had stated he wouldn't splash £125million on Isak when they already possessed Ekitike in their ranks. With Isak battling fitness concerns and Slot favouring a single striker system, the pair have only started one match together this campaign.
Nearly three months into the season, Carragher shared his views on the striking duo, acknowledging that Liverpool's previous approach wouldn't have involved signing both players. He clarified his stance after responding to an X post stating: "Liverpool of the past only sign Ekitike, not Isak.
"He profiles as someone who can become as good as Isak whilst being a similar profile for half the price, except maybe that has happened quicker than expected. Causes selection issues with two special #9's at Slot's disposal.."
The Reds icon replied to the message, declaring: "My point all summer!" Whilst Isak has endured difficulties across his eight club appearances, Ekitike has thrived with six goals in 14 outings, earning praise for his combination play and adaptability.
Van Dijk's Alexander-Arnold message
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Liverpool FC at The King Power Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Virgil van Dijk spoke about the prospect of facing Trent Alexander-Arnold(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
With Alexander-Arnold making his Anfield comeback following his summer switch to Madrid, speculation surrounds his potential involvement in Tuesday's game. He hasn't appeared since recovering from a hamstring problem late last month, but with Dani Carvajal sidelined through a knee complaint, his return to action seems probable.
It was Van Dijk who sat alongside Slot during Liverpool's pre-match press conference, where he addressed his former teammate's homecoming.
The Reds captain remained coy about the expected reception, stating: "Let's see [what the reception is]. I'm not going to say [I want a hostile atmosphere]. I'm not going to comment on that.
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"Do you (the press) want it to be hostile? I think he's been outstanding in his time in Liverpool and that's the only thing I can say. Have I spoke to him since the move? Not much, no. Nothing personal whatsoever, obviously I live my life and he lives his life in Madrid."
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Van Dijk heaped praise on the England international for his contributions to the club, whilst emphasising that he's now the enemy and encouraging his teammates to make his Anfield return as challenging as possible. "I think Trent is a quality player," he continued.
"He showed it so many times, he's a very gifted player and he was important for us over all those years. I was very happy to have him in my team. We have been very successful, but now he's an opponent on Tuesday. If he plays then we have to make it very difficult for him to do what he's good at."