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Liverpool’s £125 million signing Alexander Isak missed the Burnley win as Arne Slot says he is not match-fit yet, with a debut likely soon.
Alexander Isak is a marquee signing for Liverpool. (PC: LFC)
Liverpool fans had to wait a little longer to see their new £125 million signing Alexander Isak, as the Swedish striker was left out of the matchday squad in Sunday’s narrow 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
The Reds’ boss Arne Slot explained that the British record signing, who joined from Newcastle United on deadline day, was not yet physically ready to feature regularly after a summer of limited playing time.
Slot made it clear that the 24-year-old striker would not be rushed back, though he hinted at a likely debut in the coming days.
“Alex is far from ready for that schedule of three games in a week,” Slot told reporters after the match.
“But then we could use him today for five minutes and then Wednesday again for 10, and then 15, but we don’t believe that is the way to build him up.”
“Sweden did the right thing and we did the same, so now he will be able either Wednesday or Saturday to play 45 as a minimum, and maybe a little bit more,” he added.
Slot also tempered expectations, warning that Isak would not play back-to-back full matches immediately:
“But if he plays 45 on Wednesday, don’t expect him to play 45 or more on Saturday because his body is not prepared for that.”
A Frustrating Start To Isak’s Season So Far
Isak’s only competitive minutes this season came during Sweden’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Kosovo, where he appeared for 20 minutes off the bench.
His time at Newcastle had ended awkwardly, with the striker effectively frozen out after pushing for a move to Anfield.
Liverpool, meanwhile, could have used his attacking presence against a disciplined Burnley side who came close to stealing a point last night, right before Mohamed Salah coolly slotted home from the penalty spot in the 84th minute to secure all three points, extending the Reds’ perfect start to the season.
(with agency inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
September 15, 2025, 13:59 IST
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