Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed he is considering handing a start to Alexander Isak this weekend, even though other strikers in the squad may be in better physical condition. The Swedish international, a club-record £125 million signing, is in line to make his first appearance for the Reds in a month when they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
Isak's Fitness Battle and International Duty
Isak has been sidelined for the past four weeks with a groin injury sustained during Liverpool's match against Eintracht Frankfurt on 22 October. There were hopes that the recent international break would provide the 26-year-old with valuable minutes to rebuild his match sharpness.
However, his time with the Swedish national team yielded only a 28-minute cameo in their defeat to Switzerland. He was then rested for the subsequent fixture against Slovenia to avoid the risk of a yellow card that would have ruled him out of a crucial World Cup playoff match next year.
Slot acknowledged the striker's slow start to life at Liverpool since his high-profile move from Newcastle United. "This team can and will play much better if you give them a little bit more time," the head coach stated. "Alex will end up being the player he was at Newcastle if we get him fit. That will take a little bit of time."
Selection Dilemma and Defensive Crisis
The decision to potentially start Isak over a fitter option like Hugo Ekitiké represents a significant tactical gamble. Slot confirmed he has held discussions with the performance staff, weighing what is best for the player's individual development against the immediate needs of the team.
"I always have to find the balance between what is the best for him as an individual and for us as a team," Slot explained. "I do know that a 100% fit Alexander Isak is a big, big, big plus for this team. But for him to get there he might need to have minutes where you could argue that another player might be further ahead of him in terms of match fitness."
Compounding Slot's selection headaches is an injury crisis at right-back. Conor Bradley is expected to be out for at least three weeks after picking up an injury while playing for Northern Ireland against Luxembourg. Fellow right-back Jeremie Frimpong is also sidelined for the next two to three weeks.
With a congested fixture list that sees Liverpool play seven matches in the next 22 days, Slot admitted he will have to get creative. "It's going to be interesting who you see as a right full-back," he said, mentioning that Curtis Jones has played there previously and Joe Gomez is an option, though his own fitness is being managed carefully.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Schedule
The injury list doesn't end with the defensive department. German midfielder Florian Wirtz will also miss the Forest clash due to a muscle problem sustained on international duty.
Slot's comments highlight the delicate balancing act facing modern managers, especially with a prized asset like Isak. The club has invested heavily in the striker, and getting him back to the form he displayed at St James' Park is clearly a priority, even if it requires some short-term compromises on the pitch.
The manager's willingness to potentially start a player who is not at peak fitness underscores both the long-term importance of integrating Isak and the immediate pressure to get results during a demanding period of the season.
