Ornstein shares Liverpool line-up insight ahead of Atletico meeting | OneFootball

Liverpool are set to begin their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid tonight, but one of our biggest summer signings may not be ready to start the game.

Alexander Isak, who joined from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125 million, is still working his way back to full fitness and journalist David Ornstein has provided an update.

Ornstein assesses Isak’s fitness ahead of Atletico clash

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Speaking on the Back Pages podcast, Ornstein explained: “Yeah, I think there’s a good chance he’ll play a part. I would imagine that would be off the bench, given his lack of football so far.

“And Liverpool are in the fortuitous situation of having Hugo Ekitike, a top level No.9, already in the team, and clearly the circumstances around [Isak’s] fitness aren’t ideal.

“They weren’t for Newcastle, nor now for Liverpool, and certainly not for him and Sweden, as you mentioned.

“And it could take some weeks before he’s up to speed, and we’re seeing the Alexander Isak that we’ve seen previously.”

This belief of a brief cameo off the bench is something that was shared by Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor too.

The Swedish striker scored 27 goals for Newcastle last season, including the winner against us in the Carabao Cup final, but we are all awaiting his Anfield and Liverpool debut.

Liverpool attack boosted by depth in No.9 role

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

While Isak may be eased in gradually, the Reds are already benefitting from the presence of French forward Hugo Ekitike.

The 23-year-old has started the season strongly, justifying why Liverpool pushed through a £69m deal.

The attacking depth is further strengthened by the arrival of German international Florian Wirtz, who was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m and is already influencing matches with his creativity from midfield.

With Atletico Madrid expected to defend deep and counter, though without Julian Alvarez, our boss knows he has options to change the game from the bench if needed in the form of our record signing.

You can watch the Liverpool squad prepare for Champions League action via our YouTube channel:

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