Alexander Isak opens up about his fitness levels following his substitute appearance in Sweden’s heavy defeat.
Alexander Isak has opened up about his current fitness situation after becoming Liverpool’s record signing late in the summer window.
The Swedish forward pushed hard to leave Newcastle, even sitting out their pre-season preparations, and eventually secured a deadline-day move to Anfield. However, the lack of proper match rhythm has shown since his arrival. He has scored just once in eight games and then picked up a groin injury during the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, sidelining him ever since.
Isak admits his fitness hasn’t been ideal
The 26-year-old returned to action with a 27-minute cameo in Sweden’s 4-1 loss to Switzerland on Saturday. After the match, he admitted that he hasn’t been close to full sharpness recently. Speaking to Sportbladet, he said his condition “hasn’t been optimal” but stressed that he never hides behind excuses when he’s on the pitch. He also spoke about the difficulty of being unavailable and the lessons injuries teach you as you gain experience.
He added that he felt “good” after his short appearance and hopes to get more minutes against Slovenia on Tuesday, despite some mixed messages from national team coach Graham Potter before the Switzerland game.
Slot faces a big decision on how to manage Isak
Liverpool’s huge £125m investment means Isak will want to make his mark quickly, but fitness issues have delayed his impact, and his performances so far haven’t matched the level he displayed at Newcastle last season.
With Hugo Ekitike in excellent form, Slot faces a tricky choice: bench the in-form Frenchman to give Isak the minutes he needs, adjust the formation to accommodate both players, or shift one of them out of their preferred role.
Fortunately for both strikers, Liverpool’s packed calendar — nine more games before the end of 2025 — should open up opportunities, provided they stay fit.
After a frustrating autumn, Isak will be eager to get back on the pitch consistently and finally kick-start his Liverpool career.
