Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed he is contemplating handing a start to Alexander Isak this weekend, even though the club's record signing may not be fully match-fit.
Isak's Fitness Battle and International Break Setback
The Swedish striker, who joined from Newcastle for £125 million, has been sidelined for the past month with a groin injury sustained on 22 October. Hopes that he would build his fitness during the recent international break were dashed when he managed only 28 minutes for Sweden against Switzerland before being rested against Slovenia to avoid a suspension for a crucial World Cup playoff next year.
Slot confirmed that Isak is now in contention for Liverpool's home fixture against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, potentially marking his first appearance in over four weeks. The head coach acknowledged the dilemma he faces between selecting a fully sharp player or prioritising Isak's need for minutes.
Defensive Crisis and Squad Selection Headaches
Slot's selection problems are compounded by a growing injury list, particularly in defence. The team will be without right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong for several weeks. Bradley's injury, picked up on international duty with Northern Ireland, is expected to keep him out for at least three weeks.
With a demanding schedule of seven games in 22 days starting this weekend, Slot admitted his options at right-back are limited. He mentioned that Curtis Jones has played there before and Joe Gomez is another candidate, though his own fitness must be managed carefully.
The Push to Rediscover Form
Getting the best out of Isak remains a key objective for Slot and his coaching staff. The manager expressed his belief that a fully fit Isak would be a massive asset to the team, but conceded that reaching that point requires patience and potentially selecting him when other strikers, like Hugo Ekitiké, are in better physical condition.
"I always have to find the balance between what is the best for him as an individual and for us as a team," Slot stated. "I do know that a 100% fit Alexander Isak is a big, big, big plus for this team. But for him to get there he might need to have minutes where you could argue that another player might be further ahead."
He concluded with a message of patience for the entire squad, indicating that both team and individual performances are expected to improve as players adapt to his methods and the rigours of the league.
