'Did feel his body': Arne Slot explains whether Alexander Isak is fit to face Everton after Liverpool debut
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Alexander Isak’s Liverpool career is underway after an impressive first appearance for the club in midweek.
After a long summer saga finally ended on transfer deadline day, supporters had been desperate to see Isak in action.
Their wish eventually came true on Wednesday, with Isak looking good during an hour-long display against Atletico Madrid.
The Swede did well on a first start since May, showing exactly why Liverpool chose to smash the British transfer record to sign him.
Arne Slot admitted to being surprised by how fit Isak appeared during his run-out, and that has led to speculation that he could start again for Saturday’s Merseyside Derby.
Speaking to the press on Friday, however, Slot appeared to dampen those suggestions.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Liverpool’s medical team have earned plenty of much-deserved praise over the course of the past year for the manner in which they have kept the squad largely fit.
As a result, few have questioned the decision to start Isak on Wednesday despite his lack of recent game time.
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Nevertheless, asking the No.
9 to go again less than three days later is likely to be a step too far.
And according to Slot, Isak was certainly feeling the impact of a first meaningful appearance since May.
“I don’t think I tell the media a lot the day before the game how we start the game,” said the Liverpool head coach when asked if Isak could start a second consecutive game.
“We had recovery yesterday, we’re going to train this afternoon, so we have to see how they all feel.
“What I do know is that Alex did feel his body maybe more than ever before after the 60 minutes that he played, so let’s see how he recovers today.
Then we’re going to think about the line-up.”
One player who missed Wednesday’s game against Atletico was midfielder Curtis Jones, who was also absent for Sunday’s win over Burnley.
There were claims through the week that Jones would be ready to play against Everton, or at least be a part of the squad.
And asked whether that is indeed the case on Friday, Slot confirmed that Liverpool’s one and only Scouser is in contention to play against Everton.
“He’s back in the fray!” smiled the Dutchman, after learning the phrase for the first time.