Alexander Isak gives Liverpool fitness update after Hugo Ekitike half-time decision
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Alexander Isak says he is feeling fit after bagging his first goal since joining Liverpool.
The Sweden international played just 45 minutes in the Reds' Carabao Cup win over Southampton but found the net with a smart finish to hand his side the lead.
Instead of being afforded the opportunity to get on the scoresheet for a second time after half-time, Isak was replaced with Hugo Ekitike and tasked with completing sprints across Anfield's pitch at the break.
The British record signing has seen his fitness carefully managed after missing pre-season with Newcastle United and not earning minutes on the field until September with his national side.
Isak has started twice for Liverpool since joining the club — against Southampton and Atletico Madrid — and came off the bench in the Merseyside derby win over Everton.
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And while the forward offered some caution as he assessed his fitness, the 26-year-old gave some words of optimism after netting his first goal for Liverpool.
"It was good to get some more minutes on the way to getting fit," Isak told Sky Sports.
A new club and new team-mates but I feel good.
"I think it's a great team to be a part of and with all of the games I get it's only going to get better."
Isak may soon be handed his first Premier League start for the club after Ekitike was shown a red card against the Saints.
The French international was first shown a yellow card for his reaction to a decision early in the second period, before receiving another booking for removing his shirt after restoring Liverpool's lead.
Ekitike will be suspended for Liverpool's trip to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace, opening the door for Isak to start if he is deemed fit enough by head coach Arne Slot.
Reds striker Ekitike had made light work of his first weeks in English football and scored five goals in seven domestic matches.
Slot was unimpressed with his latest offering and hopes he quickly learns from the incident.
“I hope so, but not because it was a second yellow card," said Slot.