Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak missed Liverpool's Champions League qualification match against Aston Villa due to his latest injury setback. The 26-year-old had only just returned for the 1-1 draw with Chelsea six days earlier after missing the defeat to Manchester United.
Isak has struggled with recurring injury problems since his record £125 million move from Newcastle. A broken leg before Christmas required surgery and kept him out for several months, but he has continued to face fitness issues since recovering.
According to the Liverpool ECHO, manager Arne Slot's side were optimistic Isak could feature in the final match of the season against Brentford, hence he was not risked for the Villa clash.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted in January that the club was still dealing with the impact of Isak's controversial move. 'It's an ever-challenging thing. You lose a player like Alex... Liverpool paid the money they did because he's an outstanding footballer,' Howe said.
Newcastle sit in the bottom half of the table, facing the prospect of no European football next season. The Magpies have struggled to find a consistent replacement, with summer signings Nick Woltemade and Yoan Wissa failing to maintain form.
