Arne Slot has provided a key update on Alexander Isak potentially starting for Liverpool in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
The Reds begin their European campaign at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening, in a stern early test for Arne Slot’s Premier League champions.
Isak is expected to be in Liverpool’s squad, having missed the 1-0 win at Burnley last weekend, and should make his debut at some point in the game.
Speaking in his pre-Atletico press conference, Slot hinted that the Swede could even possibly start proceedings at Anfield, failing to rule it out:
“There’s definitely a chance, because he’s in the squad. Then there’s a chance to play. Normally I would say 99.9 percent sure, but I can say it’s 100 percent sure that he will not play 90 minutes, but he’s part of the squad.
“It’s already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people look forward to his playing time, that could happen tomorrow as well. The only thing that is sure is that he will not play 90. All the rest, you will see tomorrow.”
The perfect time for Isak to start for Liverpool?
Opinion may be split regarding Isak starting against Atletico, but either way, it would be a surprise if he played more than 45 minutes.
It is important that Liverpool ease their record signing into his new surroundings, given his lack of playing time, and overplaying him would increase the risk of injury early in his Reds career.
Slot needs to have Saturday’s Merseyside derby at home to Everton in the Premier League in mind, with some rotation is likely throughout the team.
But Isak will almost certainly make his Liverpool bow on Wednesday night, giving Reds supporters the chance to see their shiny new addition in action for the first time at the club, following his move from Newcastle United.
He has the ability to be a sensational signing for Slot’s men, and it would be just like him to make a flying start to life at Anfield, finding the net and ensuring the hosts begin their Champions League season with a positive result.
