In a significant team selection, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has named Alexander Isak in the starting line-up for today's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
A Troubled Start for a Record Signing
The Sweden international, who became the most expensive player in British football history with his £125 million summer move from Newcastle, has endured a difficult beginning to his Liverpool career. Isak has found goals and consistent playing time hard to come by, managing to score just once so far—a goal in the Carabao Cup.
His integration into the squad has been hampered by a complete lack of a pre-season, as he forced through the high-profile transfer. The 26-year-old striker has subsequently battled persistent fitness issues and niggling injuries, which saw him miss the last five matches due to a groin problem that kept him sidelined for a month.
Slot's Fast-Track Decision
The decision to start him today comes directly from the manager. On Friday, Arne Slot revealed he might have to 'fast-track' Isak's road to full fitness by selecting him ahead of players who are currently in better physical condition.
This move directly impacts Hugo Ekitike, who drops to the bench. The former Eintracht Frankfurt striker has himself failed to score for Liverpool in a month, with his last club goal coming against his former team in Germany, though he did find the net for France during the recent international break.
Other Team News: Alisson's Welcome Return
In a major boost for the Reds, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson returns to the starting XI after nearly two months out with a hamstring injury.
However, the squad is not without its fresh concerns. Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley both miss out after picking up problems while on international duty. With Jeremie Frimpong still unavailable, rookie right-back Calvin Ramsay finds a place on the bench.
In another notable selection, Milos Kerkez gets the nod at left-back over Andy Robertson, despite the Scotland captain enjoying a historic week by helping his national team qualify for the World Cup.
