Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool fans have been closely watching Alexander Isak’s progress since the striker joined the club in a British-record £125m move from Newcastle United.
The early signs of his Liverpool career have been complicated.
After a high-profile transfer, Isak struggled to integrate into the team immediately.
He missed pre-season and the opening weeks of the Premier League as he trained alone, determined to force through his exit from Newcastle.
Since arriving at Anfield, Isak has only scored once in eight appearances, and his development has been hampered by injuries.
Most recently, a groin problem forced him off during Liverpool’s 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
The injury kept him out of four matches before he returned to the squad for Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City.
Fans hoped the forward might return to full fitness during the November international break, as Sweden prepared for a World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.
However, Liverpool and Sweden have taken a cautious approach to the striker. Graham Potter, Sweden’s manager, confirmed the careful management of Isak’s return ahead of the match.
Speaking in his pre-game coference, Potter addressed Isak’s match readiness in detail during the pre-match press conference.
He stated, “He’s not ready to play two 90-minute games in four days, so we have to be smart and use him well.”
“No, he is not ready to start. I don’t want to talk too much about details or the starting eleven, but I think the best thing for Alex is to help us from the bench.”
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, has echoed this approach at club level.
Ahead of the Man City game, Slot explained, “He will train with the team for the first time today after being three weeks out.”
“I know I said three weeks ago his pre-season ended, so now we have to see where he is.”
“If you are three weeks only with the rehab that doesn’t bring him back to the levels he was three weeks ago.”
“You cannot compare rehab with games of football or training with the team.”
“So, again I have to say give him some time.”
Potter added further context on his substitute role for Sweden, emphasizing patience.
“He’s had a good week.”
“He’s not ready for 90 minutes, but you’ll have to wait and see tomorrow.”
The cautious approach from both club and country underscores the need for Isak to regain full fitness before taking on the rigors of consecutive high-level matches.
Read more: Exclusive: Liverpool hold exploratory talks to sign Antoine Semenyo
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