Liverpool Faces Fitness Risks with £125m Isak Amid Sweden Warning

Liverpool's new record signing Alexander Isak is facing fitness challenges following his deadline-day transfer from Newcastle after a prolonged and contentious saga. Isak missed Newcastle's preseason and initial Premier League matches due to a strike aimed at forcing a move to Liverpool, resulting in limited training and no match sharpness. Sweden's national team manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has expressed concerns over Isak's readiness, citing only three training sessions and no recent match play as reasons for leaving him on the bench during Sweden's 2-2 draw with Slovenia. Tomasson emphasized the need for a cautious approach to Isak's integration, hoping he might feature as a game-changer in upcoming matches but underscoring the importance of managing his fitness in both the short and long term. Despite Isak's proven goal-scoring ability, including 27 goals last season and a strong international record, Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces decisions on how best to incorporate him into the squad alongside other forwards like Hugo Ekitike. Additionally, Liverpool is managing other injury concerns, including defender Ibrahima Konate and full-back Jeremie Frimpong, the latter expected to return in two to three weeks.