Alexander Isak has offered an honest update on his fitness following his substitute appearance in Sweden’s heavy defeat.
Alexander Isak opens up on fitness struggles since Liverpool move
Alexander Isak has spoken openly about his fitness challenges since becoming Liverpool’s record signing at the end of the summer transfer window.
The Swedish forward had sought a move away from Newcastle by skipping the Magpies’ pre-season preparations, eventually securing a transfer on deadline day. However, he arrived at Anfield lacking match sharpness.
The 26-year-old has scored just once in his first eight appearances for the Reds and faced another setback when he was forced off with a groin injury during the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt last month — his most recent outing for the club.
Candid fitness update
Isak came off the bench for the final 27 minutes in Sweden’s 4-1 loss to Switzerland on Saturday. After the game, he admitted that he hasn’t been at full fitness in recent weeks.
Speaking to Sportbladet, the striker said: “It hasn’t been optimal, but when I’m on the field, I don’t give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform. It’s hard to be away and not be able to contribute, but now I’m back and feeling positive. There’s nothing easy in football, but with experience you learn to deal with injuries and get back on track the right way.”
He added that his body felt “good” after his substitute appearance and expressed hope to play fully against Slovenia on Tuesday, despite national coach Graham Potter giving mixed signals before the Switzerland match.
Finding a way to get Isak regular minutes
The £125m signing will want to repay Liverpool’s investment quickly, but fitness issues have limited his involvement so far. It’s clear from his performances that he isn’t yet at the sharpness he showed at Newcastle last season.
Reds fans may be divided on whether he should feature in Sweden’s next match against Slovenia. While the fixture carries little at stake for either team, Isak needs game time after limited action over recent months.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot faces a tricky decision: leave out the in-form Hugo Ekitike to give Isak minutes, try to accommodate both forwards in his usual formation, or adjust his system to field a two-striker setup.
With Liverpool still having nine matches before the end of 2025, there should be opportunities for both strikers to get regular minutes — provided they stay injury-free. The former Newcastle star will be particularly eager to get back on the pitch and kickstart a season that has so far been frustrating.
