The likelihood is…’ – Sky reporter drops Isak selection hint ahead of Liverpool v Atletico

Alexander Isak didn’t make his Liverpool debut in the weekend win over Burnley, but that milestone could arrive tomorrow night against Atletico Madrid.

The Reds’ £125m record signing is still building up match fitness, having missed Newcastle’s pre-season and the start of the campaign before his summer switch to Anfield. His 18-minute cameo for Sweden in last week’s defeat to Kosovo was his first game action since May.

However, he trained with Arne Slot’s squad today ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League opener, giving fans hope he may feature against Diego Simeone’s men.

Isak’s Chances of Playing
Sky Sports News reporter Vinny O’Connor shared an update from the AXA Training Centre, explaining that Slot has always said it will take time for Isak to be fully ready. The striker trained with his teammates over the weekend, but Slot warned that if he plays 45 minutes tomorrow, fans shouldn’t expect him to play the same amount in the Merseyside derby days later as his body is still adjusting.

The focus is on gradually getting him up to speed, but his involvement in training makes it more likely he could play some part against Atletico – at least more likely than it was at the weekend.

No Rush to Start Him
Slot took a similar approach with Federico Chiesa last season, easing him into action after a disrupted pre-season, and seems set to do the same with Isak.

His participation in today’s session suggests he might at least be on the bench, with Hugo Ekitike expected to start once again. Ekitike’s strong form has reduced the pressure to throw Isak straight into the starting XI.

Ideally, Isak could get 20–30 minutes off the bench tomorrow and perhaps 45 minutes or more against Everton on Saturday, depending on the medical team’s advice.

Liverpool don’t need to rush him, but the sooner the Swedish striker starts playing regularly, the faster he’ll build chemistry with his new teammates and settle into Slot’s system.