Liverpool’s Isak Faces Fitness Concerns After Injury Setback

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed concerns regarding the fitness of forward Alexander Isak after he sustained a groin injury during the team’s emphatic 5-1 Champions League victory against Eintracht Frankfurt on September 27, 2023. While Liverpool celebrated breaking a four-game losing streak, the injuries to both Isak and teammate Jeremie Frimpong cast a shadow over the win.

Isak’s struggles with form and fitness have been evident since he joined Liverpool for a reported £125 million (approximately $167 million) from Newcastle United. In the match against Frankfurt, he played only 45 minutes before being substituted at halftime by Federico Chiesa. Slot acknowledged that Isak’s fitness has become a growing concern, particularly after he had limited training over the summer due to a protracted transfer saga.

“Alex had to go off at half-time and that’s not something you ask for,” Slot stated. “He felt his groin, so let’s hope it’s not too bad. I’m hoping that this doesn’t have to be that bad because if he would be out now for a few weeks, that would throw him back or put him back.”

The coach elaborated on the challenges faced in preparing Isak for the demanding schedule of matches Liverpool encounters, especially after missing preseason training. “You try to prepare players for once a week football, but if you are Liverpool and you play every three days, or normally three times in eight days, then you try to prepare them for that programme which is not always so easy if you don’t have preseason,” he explained.

Slot confirmed that Isak was fit enough to participate against Frankfurt, saying, “I wouldn’t have played him if he wasn’t.” He indicated that Isak had undergone a careful regimen to regain his fitness, having joined the team on September 1, 2023. Since then, Slot’s staff has gradually increased his training intensity.

The coach noted that Isak had shown positive signs of recovery after representing the Swedish national team, where he played two matches without issue. “He was perfectly fit when he came back from the national team and he was perfectly fit before the [Manchester] United game,” Slot said. “So we were expecting him to be ready to play again today, which he did, but he felt his groin a little bit.”

As Liverpool continues its campaign in both domestic and European competitions, the management faces a delicate balancing act in ensuring Isak’s fitness while navigating a packed fixture schedule. Slot emphasized the importance of careful management, stating, “It’s a thin balance if you missed out on preseason. Some march through it and some unfortunately get injured again.”

The coming days will be crucial for Liverpool as they monitor Isak’s condition, hoping that the injury is not severe and that he can return to full fitness soon. With a busy schedule ahead, the team will rely on Isak’s contributions to regain momentum in their season.