Liverpool staff: ‘We will tailor Alexander Isak’s programme to avoid repeat of Newcastle injury issues’
Liverpool’s sports science staff are convinced they can deal better with Alexander Isak’s injury issues than Newcastle, sources have told Football Insider.
Isak has missed 39 matches and 206 days of training during his three seasons at St James’ Park since his 2022 arrival from Real Sociedad.
Liverpool are working on a deal to sign Isak and had a package worth £120million, made up of a £110m bid plus add-ons, rejected by Newcastle last Friday.
But the Merseysiders have not given up on signing the Swede despite their private claim they will not increase their offer for him.
Liverpool to rotate Alexander Isak as alternative plan revealed
One complicating factor in a record-breaking bid for Isak is his injury history and match availability.
Sources have told Football Insider that Liverpool believe their performance, fitness and sport science staff can do a better job of keeping Isak out of the physio room than Newcastle have.
| Season | Injury | Days Missed | Games Missed |
| 2024/25 | Groin | 5 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Hamstring | 4 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | Broken toe | 34 | 7 |
| 2023/24 | Groin | 25 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | Groin | 31 | 8 |
| 2022/23 | Thigh | 107 | 18 |
The plan would be to minutely tailor Isak’s match and training schedule, provide rest and recovery at the right periods, as well as rotate him with Liverpool’s other forward options.
The Merseysiders have already signed Hugo Ekitike for the central striker role, and the plan is for him to provide cover and competition for Isak should a deal with Newcastle be agreed.
Also, Liverpool privately believe the age profile of their squad means other stars, including the likes of Florian Wirtz, 22, and Cody Gakpo, 26, would be able to step in if Isak misses out.
Liverpool make Nunez exit decision
Meanwhile, Liverpool are planning to accept new bids for Darwin Nunez this summer and are inviting offers after his move to Napoli collapsed, sources have told Football Insider.
Arne Slot does not view the striker as a part of his plans for the upcoming season and is “desperate” to cash in on him before the window closes.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 6 June that Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer as they seek to upgrade in the centre-forward role.
However, interested clubs are reluctant to spend big money on a permanent transfer this summer and are instead hoping to agree loan deals for his signature.
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