Jamie Carragher makes Alexander Isak Liverpool debut prediction ahead of Burnley clash
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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher doesn't believe that Alexander Isak will feature in Arne Slot's starting XI this weekend against Burnley.
Following one of the most intricate transfer sagas in recent memory, Liverpool finally landed the Swedish star for a British-record fee of $169million on transfer deadline day.
The Magpies were also worried about the player's fitness levels following his strike action, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Whilst Isak did feature for 18 minutes in Sweden's defeat to Kosovo on Monday evening, Carragher believes the Burnley fixture arrives too early for the 25-year-old to start.
Speaking about the weekend's games on the Stick to Football podcast, Manchester United's former defender Gary Neville enquired whether Isak "comes straight in." Carragher responded decisively: "No, no.
Jamie Carragher doesn't believe Alexander Isak will feature from the start against Burnley.
He was seen on the Kirkby pitches and in the gym with the likes of Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa, whilst the bulk of Liverpool's first-team squad will return to training on Thursday.
Following his signing for the club, completing a medical and fulfilling media obligations, Isak was promptly called up for international duty.
Whilst the striker appeared reasonably sharp for his nation, the ex-Newcastle player has previously taken a cautious approach regarding his debut after missing pre-season and the beginning of the new campaign whilst pursuing his transfer.
"Yeah, of course," Isak replied when questioned by club media about targeting Liverpool's fixture against Burnley on September 14 for his first appearance for his new side.
But I certainly want to play as soon as possible."
Supporters will undoubtedly feel let down if Isak remains amongst the substitutes or is excluded from the matchday squad entirely on Sunday.
Nevertheless, should he fail to feature at the weekend, he could make his debut against Atletico Madrid at Anfield next Wednesday in the club's opening Champions League match of the campaign
Isak also has the opportunity to make a home Premier League debut against local rivals Everton on Saturday, 20th September.
Fans will gain further insight into Isak's condition later this week when Slot provides an update on his new striker's fitness during his pre-match press conference for the Burnley clash.