‘Behind the scenes’ – Liverpool issued Alexander Isak warning by Newcastle United
Alexander Isak faces a tough race to regain full match fitness ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Burnley on Sunday.
Isak joined Liverpool in a record breaking deal worth £125 million, swapping St James’ Park for Anfield.
The saga connecting Isak to Liverpool rumbled on throughout the summer, with the Swede effectively going on strike to force a move.
Arne Slot’s side will now travel to Turf Moor in a bid to continue their perfect start to their Premier League title defence.
Alexander Isak faces race to be fit for Liverpool debut
Due to Isak’s transfer hold out, the Swede had a watered down pre season, meaning he’s weeks behind in his preparation for the new campaign.
The Chronicle, via Anfield Edition on X (formerly Twitter), have now reported that Newcastle were preparing a special fitness regime for Isak if he was to return to the side after the transfer window.
The report said: “Newcastle had created a bespoke fitness plan for Alexander Isak in the event he ended up staying at the club and was reintegrated.
“Those behind the scenes did not expect the striker to be fully up to speed until after October’s international break.”
Liverpool can afford to give Alexander Isak time
Isak’s 25 minutes of action for Sweden whilst away on international duty could be a sign of things to come in the weeks ahead as Isak builds up to full match fitness.
Liverpool will be aware that they can give Isak, who has a chequered injury history, time to build up his fitness, due to the form of Hugo Ekitike.
| Akexander Isak injury history | Games missed |
| Thigh | 18 |
| Groin | 8 |
| Groin | 4 |
| Broken toe | 7 |
| Hamstring | 1 |
| Groin | 1 |
Ekitike has scored three goals in four games to start his Liverpool career, and looks more than capable of leading the line for Slot’s side in Isak’s absence.
Liverpool will play seven games between now and the international break which begins on 7 October, including two Champions League matches and a Carabao Cup tie.
If Newcastle’s timeline is to be believed, the date on which Reds fans can expect to see Isak make his full debut for Liverpool, is their mouth watering clash at home against Manchester United on Sunday 19 October.