Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a frank assessment of his squad's fitness, revealing that big-money summer signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are not yet capable of playing three full matches in the space of a single week.
Fitness Concerns for Record Signings
The Dutch coach made the admission ahead of a demanding schedule for the Reds, which includes Premier League clashes against Sunderland and Leeds. Isak, a £125 million arrival, and Wirtz, signed for £100 million, have seen their playing time carefully managed this season due to persistent concerns over their physical condition.
Slot confirmed that both attacking talents have suffered recent fitness setbacks, complicating his team selection. The manager's comments highlight the ongoing challenge of integrating high-profile players while navigating the intense rhythm of English football.
Defensive and Full-Back Woes
The fitness issues extend beyond the club's marquee forwards. Slot also indicated that defender Joe Gomez is not ready for successive full 90-minute performances, further depleting his defensive options.
In more bad news for the Anfield side, full-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are unlikely to be available for the upcoming match against Sunderland. There is a slight reprieve, however, with Bradley potentially in contention for the later fixture against Leeds as he continues his recovery.
Navigating a Crucial Fixture Pile-Up
Slot's candid update throws the spotlight on Liverpool's squad management during a critical period. The inability to call upon Isak and Wirtz for a full trio of games in quick succession forces a strategic rethink, placing greater emphasis on the team's depth and the manager's rotational prowess.
The situation underscores the immense physical demands of the Premier League, where even world-class signings require time to adapt. How Slot navigates this period, balancing results with player welfare, will be a key test of his early tenure at Liverpool.
