Alexander Isak has had a slow start to life at Liverpool since his record-breaking move from Newcastle, and Arne Slott has released a worrying update on the forward.
Sweden coach Graham Potter says Alexander Isak is not yet fit enough to play two games a week. The Liverpool striker has endured a slow start at Anfield since making his big-money move from Newcastle.
Isak had not experienced pre-season with his previous club and therefore took some time to settle in with his new employer. Isak has started just six games for Liverpool, scoring one goal.
Despite his good form, the 26-year-old was called up to the latest Sweden squad by Graham Potter. Asked about the forward, the former Chelsea and West Ham manager admitted that Isak is not yet ready to play two consecutive 90-minute matches.
“He’s had a good week and is available, but he’s been out for a while so we’ve got to be smart with him,” Potter said in a press conference.
“He’s not ready to play two games of 90 minutes. We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see.”
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Asked whether Isak had opened up about his difficult first few months as a Liverpool player, Potter said: “When it comes to the Swedish national team, he’s like any other player. He’s unhappy with our results.”
“As I’ve said before, it’s obvious. But what I’ve found here is a group of players who really want to do better and are just frustrated with where they are in terms of results. They’re just desperate to do well for their country and there’s a real feeling for it.”
Isak and Sweden head off on an important international break next week as they look to salvage what has been a disastrous qualifying campaign for next summer’s World Cup. They currently sit in 4th place in their group with 4 wins and 3 losses.
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They must win their next two games against Switzerland and Slovenia to have a chance to qualify for the tournament. Isak has not scored for his country in the last three games.
He will also be keen to get Liverpool back into form in their next game against Nottingham Forest at Anfield next weekend. Former Liverpool star Don Hutchinson said of the forward:
“He should have been a professional and had a proper pre-season at Newcastle. It could have only had one of two outcomes: 1. He goes to Liverpool and is ready to play 100% first! 2. He remains at Newcastle and is ready to play.”
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