Liverpool sent new Alexander Isak fitness update as debut approaches | OneFootball

Striker is currently on international duty with Sweden after sealing £125m British record transfer from Newcastle to Anfield on Deadline Day

Isak will hope to be in a position to play some part for the Reds immediately after the current international break, when a trip to newly-promoted Burnley in the Premier League is followed by their Champions League opener at home to Atletico Madrid and Merseyside derby clash with Everton at Anfield.

However, the 25-year-old is currently short on fitness, having yet to play this season and been training separately from the Newcastle first team as he effectively went on strike in a bid to force a switch to Merseyside, which, after a long and bitter saga, was eventually concluded in a British-record deal on Deadline Day worth £125million.

Isak was subsequently named in the matchday squad for Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Slovenia in Ljubljana, though remained an unused substitute in a lively 2-2 draw at Stozice Stadium in which former Newcastle team-mate Anthony Elanga started in attack alongside Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and scored the opening goal of the game.

“He [Isak] had only done three training sessions with the team,” Tomasson explained to Viaplay after the game.

“No pre-season with the team and of course no playing time. The risk is probably a bit too great to use him today.”

Sweden now quickly move on to Pristina, where they face Kosovo in their second Group B fixture at Fadil Vokrri Stadium on Monday evening.

Tomasson is hopeful that Isak will be able to feature in that match, potentially as an impact substitute.

“Hopefully, hopefully. As a game-changer,” added the former Blackburn boss.