Alexander Isak Fitness Update Ahead of Potential Liverpool Debut | OneFootball

Alexander Isak Fitness Monitored Closely by Sweden Ahead of Liverpool Debut

Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak has yet to feature in a competitive match since May, and his progress is being carefully assessed while away with Sweden. The £125 million forward, who arrived from Newcastle on deadline day, has been integrating gradually after a summer of uncertainty.

Summer Setback Before Liverpool Move

Isak last played in Newcastle’s final game of the 2024/25 campaign against Everton on 26 May. His absence from pre-season fixtures came as negotiations with Liverpool dragged on. While his transfer saga unfolded, he trained away from the main group, splitting his time between Real Sociedad’s facilities and Newcastle’s training ground.

That lack of consistent football has left him behind in terms of match sharpness. This current international break has provided Isak with his first chance to rejoin a team environment since the end of last season. For Liverpool, it is an important step as Arne Slot prepares his side for their Premier League title defence.

X: @LFC

Sweden Cautious with Return

Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has taken a measured stance on Isak’s fitness. Speaking before their clash with Slovakia, he made clear that the focus is on steady progress rather than short-term gains.

“I saw him smiling, have you seen his face? He is so happy to be here, he is so happy to play, so I think that tells you a lot. He really likes being in a group,” Tomasson said.

“Of course his form is what I said the other day, normally in pre-season you play plenty of games, plenty of training but that is not the case. So is he able to play 90 minutes? Of course not.”

“Are we going to do stupid things with Alex? No, we are not going to do stupid things with Alex. So we, of course, have a plan but he is smiling and he is happy to be here.”

Swedish outlet Aftonbladet has since confirmed that Isak will begin on the bench against Slovakia. “According to information to Sportbladet, the coach has made his choice before the match. Alexander Isak starts on the bench.”

Victor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga are expected to lead the line instead, allowing Isak more time to rebuild his rhythm.

Liverpool Debut Edging Closer

For Liverpool, the international break may prove well timed. With Isak gradually rebuilding his conditioning in Sweden’s camp, Slot can hope to have him available, at least from the bench, for the home fixture against Burnley on 14 September.

The Anfield crowd will be eager to see the striker who became both Liverpool’s and Britain’s most expensive player. His ability to adapt quickly after a disrupted summer could shape Liverpool’s attacking options in the months ahead.

For now, patience remains the priority. Sweden are taking no chances, and Liverpool will want their marquee signing to return not only fit but ready to justify the scale of their investment.