When Alexander Isak could make his Liverpool debut as Arne Slot reveals exciting plan
Liverpool fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of Premier League record signing Alexander Isak.
After a summer-long saga, Liverpool signed Isak from Newcastle United for £125million on transfer deadline day.
The Swede was the cherry on top for a record-breaking summer at Anfield, with eight new players arriving to bolster Arne Slot’s team.
Isak was spotted ahead of his first Liverpool training session on Wednesday, with the broad expectation being that the striker would be named on the bench against Burnley.
Arne Slot suggests Alexander Isak debut date
Isak is not in the Liverpool squad to face Burnley, with the forward ultimately not deemed fit enough to appear.
The 25-year-old missed the entirety of pre-season amid the transfer saga, but did make an appearance off the bench for Sweden over the international break.
Slot reportedly told Isak to be careful during the international camp, and for good reason.
The Swede suffered several injury issues during his time at Newcastle, and Liverpool would be foolish to risk reigniting those problems by rushing Isak into the fold.
| Alexander Isak injury history at Newcastle United | Season | Games missed |
| Thigh | 2022/23 | 18 |
| Groin | 2023/24 | 8 |
| Groin | 2023/24 | 4 |
| Broken toe | 2024/25 | 7 |
| Hamstring | 2024/25 | 1 |
| Groin | 2024/25 | 1 |
Instead, Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo will continue up front for Slot, who will face a difficult decision once his new £125m man is up to speed.
The Liverpool head coach told Sky Sports on Sunday that Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid could be when Isak plays his first minutes in red.
“As everybody knew, he didn’t have any team training at Newcastle,” Slot said.
“Then went to the national team, only played there for 15-20 minutes and we think with a week where we play three games in seven days, this is the best lead-up for him to be available against Atletico Madrid.”
Liverpool do not need to rush Alexander Isak
The very last thing Liverpool would want to do is risk Isak suffering an injury that keeps him out for an extended period.
Slot himself drew a comparison to Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa, who, in similar circumstances, missed much of pre-season whilst attempting to force through his move from Brentford.
The 29-year-old was then given consecutive starts over the international break for DR Congo, where he sustained an injury that will now keep him out for four-five weeks.
Liverpool can afford to go without Isak for however long it takes, with the reward set to be well worth waiting for.
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