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Arne Slot has hinted Alexander Isak could start for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday as the striker prepares for his Reds debut.
Having been left out of the squad at Burnley on Sunday, Isak is expected to make his first appearance for his new club following his deadline day transfer from Newcastle.
The 25-year-old has only played around 20 minutes of competitive action since May, having made his first appearance of the season last week for Sweden, but has been training with his new teammates in recent days, having been isolated during his final weeks in Eddie Howe’s side.
Slot already revealed his plans for Isak to make his debut against Atletico at the weekend, but speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, he gave a little more detail.
Asked whether Isak would play, Slot responded: “There is definitely a chance because he is in the squad, then there is a chance to play. Normally I would say 99.9 percent sure but I can say it is 100 percent sure he will not play 90 minutes.
“But he is part of the squad. It is already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people look forward to his playing time, that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well.”
Slot was then asked whether Isak could start, to which the Liverpool boss replied: “The only thing that is sure is that he will not play 90, and all the rest we will see tomorrow.”
Having only returned to regular training following his deadline day switch to Anfield, Slot is taking a cautious approach with Isak, not wanting to risk his record signing picking up an injury.
Asked what Isak’s biggest challenge is after arriving at Liverpool, Slot said: “Getting fit. Getting fit after missing four months of proper team sessions.
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“He doesn’t have to prove to anyone he is good enough to play in the Premier League because that is what he has proven already at Newcastle. The main challenge he has is to become so fit that he is first of all ready to do what he did last season.
“And then, speaking about PSG, I don't think anyone was surprised I was mainly impressed by the way they pressed. [Ousmane] Dembele was one of the examples who was so outstanding in his pressing game; everyone was focused on all the goals they scored, but I was impressed with the way they pressed.
“So the moment he is fit, match fit, can play 90, and then the next step is playing three times in a week for 90 minutes, and then the next step is going one step further in terms of pressing.
"And that is what he has to do, and scoring goals and doing special things in attack is something he will 100 percent do.”
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