Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed when record signing Alexander Isak is expected to make his long-awaited debut for the Reds.
Isak, who joined from Newcastle United in a £125m deadline-day deal, was left out of the squad for Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Mohamed Salah’s stoppage-time penalty secured the points after the Clarets had been reduced to ten men.
Speaking after the match, Slot explained that the Swedish striker’s absence was down to fitness issues following a disrupted pre-season as he pushed for his move to Anfield.
“He missed a month of team training,” Slot said. “He’s now in his second or third week of training. We gave him a proper week of team training, including yesterday and the upcoming two days, and then we think he’s able to get more than 10–15 minutes in Wednesday’s game.”
Slot confirmed that Isak could make his debut against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Anfield on Wednesday night. If not, the 25-year-old is expected to feature in Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash with Everton.
“Now he’s ready to play at least 45 minutes,” Slot added. “Let’s see if we’re going to use him on Wednesday or on Saturday against Everton.”
Liverpool face a busy week, with the Champions League opener against Atletico followed by the derby against Everton, and Slot is keen to gradually build up his new striker’s match sharpness before unleashing him fully.
