Liverpool Manager Slot Confirms Alexander Isak Needs Fitness Build Before Debut

Liverpool's new £125 million signing, Alexander Isak, is set for a gradual integration into the team after missing several months of preseason and training due to a transfer saga with Newcastle United. Liverpool manager Arne Slot emphasized that Isak will not be playing full matches immediately and that his fitness will be built up carefully over time, highlighting the long-term nature of the signing rather than short-term expectations. Slot praised Sweden's manager Jon Dahl Tomasson for managing Isak's workload during international duty to prevent injury, noting the collaborative approach between the national teams and Liverpool regarding the player's fitness. Isak only made brief substitute appearances for Sweden during recent World Cup qualifiers and trained with Liverpool for the first time just days before the upcoming match against Burnley. The club is likely to continue relying on striker Hugo Ekitike for the immediate future while preparing Isak for more significant involvement in the coming months. Fans are urged to be patient as Isak's adaptation to Liverpool's demanding schedule progresses.