Arne Slot confirms devastating Alexander Isak blow after Liverpool’s win vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the Champions League, but it was an evening to forget for Alexander Isak.
Isak joined Liverpool for a record-breaking fee in the summer, and the 26-year-old has suffered for not having a pre-season at Newcastle United.
The Swedish international hasn’t looked his usual razor-sharp best with zero goals in his first four Premier League appearances, whilst failing to score in the Champions League.
Micah Richards even claimed Isak looked ‘unfit’ against Manchester United during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat, raising concerns over his condition.
Isak was given a start alongside Hugo Ekitike against Frankfurt, yet the striker struggled to make an impression.
Arne Slot confirms Alexander Isak injury blow
When Slot deployed his record-signing alongside Ekitike, he was crying out for him to finally announce himself to the Liverpool faithful.
But the striker produced another lacklustre first-half performance, and it resulted in the Dutchman substituting him off at half-time.
At first, many felt it was due to his display, but Slot confirmed after full-time that he was taken off with an injury to his groin.
“But he had to go off at half-time because he felt his groin a little bit, so lets hope for the best,” Slot told TNT Sports.
The Liverpool manager sounded concerned about Isak’s injury, which came after Jeremie Frimpong went off with an injury.
Hugo Ekitike cannot be dropped
Slot experimented with a fluid front four by dropping Mohamed Salah and deploying Ekitike and Isak as a front two.
Isak struggled to get into the game during his time on the pitch, whereas Ekitike’s brilliant goal against Frankfurt proved why he is now undroppable.
The 23-year-old was dropped to the bench in losses to Chelsea and Manchester United, despite being Liverpool’s best summer signing and looking electric in every appearance.
Former Reds striker Djibril Cisse has been surprised at how good Ekitike has been, taking to England’s top flight like a duck to water.
Now, Slot has no excuse but to play the former Frankfurt man, who is full of energy and quality every time he steps onto the pitch.