Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak was not involved in Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley, with manager Arne Slot confirming the Sweden striker could make his debut in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
The Reds required a stoppage-time penalty from Mohamed Salah to overcome 10-man Burnley at Turf Moor, climbing back to the Premier League summit. Isak, who joined from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, trained with his new teammates for the first time ahead of the match but was omitted from the squad.
Slot explained the decision was based on Isak's conditioning, having been training alone during the summer. "We got him from Newcastle in a state where you could see his pre-season was going to start now, then he needs proper minutes of training before he has a certain base," the Dutchman said.
The Liverpool boss indicated Isak could play around 45 minutes against Atletico, but cautioned against expecting a similar role in Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton. "His body is not prepared for that," Slot added, suggesting the striker's first start might come in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
Liverpool face a busy schedule before the October international break, with trips to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea following the derby, providing further opportunities for Isak to build his fitness.
