Alexander Isak is a fitness doubt for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Sunderland on Wednesday evening, according to Arne Slot.
The Reds will be looking to kick on after their 2-0 victory away to West Ham last weekend, with some positive signs on show at long last.
Florian Wirtz stood out as Liverpool’s best player, producing arguably his best performance for the champions to date since his summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, while Isak scored his first league goal for the club.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Sunderland game, Slot confirmed that Isak is a possible doubt, having suffered cramp against the Hammers:
“Yesterday, we had recovery, then we’ll train today, so let’s see how players feel. Florian (Wirtz) missed out one-and-a-half to two weeks of training. For him to play so many minutes was already a good thing. Alex (Isak) couldn’t play 5-10 more minutes, as he already felt a bit of cramp. He’s another player who we have to see how he does.”
Isak struggling to get momentum for Liverpool
This is such a frustrating update, with Isak badly in need of gaining momentum in a Liverpool shirt, especially after his goal against West Ham.
Admittedly, it isn’t a serious injury concern for the Reds, but his quality is elite and Slot will be desperate for him to be available and kick on, having been lauded by Clinton Morrison last weekend:
“Brilliant from Isak. Once Gakpo cuts it back, the finish from Isak is outstanding. It’s on the half-volley and it’s brilliant the way he’s controlled it. It was only a matter of time.”
Hopefully, Isak recovers from the cramp in time for the Sunderland match, but it does feel like a place on the substitutes’ bench is most likely, with Slot not wanting to risk him.
It would allow Hugo Ekitike to come in and lead the line, which is no bad thing for Liverpool, with the Reds’ record signing then making an impact in the second half.
Isak could return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s trip to Leeds United, as Slot rotates his attackers and looks to keep them fresh during a busy festive period.
