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Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has given an update on the fitness of Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak ahead of his side's World Cup qualifier against Kosovo later today.
Isak has not played a competitive minute since the end of last season and sat out most of pre-season as he waited for his move to Liverpool to materialize. He was left on the sidelines as Sweden drew 2-2 with Slovenia last week and is still working his way back up to full sharpness.
But if Isak could feature for his country for a meaningful period in today's fixture, that could accelerate his chances of appearing for Liverpool, who take on Burnley on Sunday in the Premier League.
"The last game, I kept him on the bench for 90 minutes long," Tomasson said. "A bit for the result. If we were 1-1, then he would definitely have played minutes, but we were leading.
"We shouldn't forget that Alex had only had three training [sessions] but now has had five training [sessions].
"He hasn't had a long pre-season so we are thinking about the short term and also the long term. But he can definitely be a game-changer."
Isak, who cost around $169 million (£125 million) to sign from Newcastle United, scored 23 goals in the league last season. Only Mohamed Salah found the back of the net more often (29 times).
While he will join an exciting attacking line-up including Salah, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, it might take some time for him to be ready enough to start matches.
"I've had a tricky summer where I haven’t played any games," Isak said when his transfer was confirmed on deadline day.
"I've had restricted training, so I think that’s one to judge and to analyze where I am at and how much I am ready to give. But I certainly want to play as soon as possible."
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Ekitike, though Isak will provide competition for his number nine spot, has also welcomed the signing of the Swede. There will be more than enough minutes for both over the coming months.
"When you play for the best teams, you inevitably expect to be competing with the best players," Ekitike said while on international duty with France, via the Evening Standard.
"Isak is a player I used to watch, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It's going to be tough competition, but I'm going to work hard to be good and perform well so that it's just the coach's problem."
Liverpool.com says: It would be a surprise to see much of Isak against Burnley at the weekend but it would be nice for him to get 20 minutes or so off the bench. Arne Slot will no doubt be asked about him during his press conference later in the week.
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