Liverpool have Alexander Isak plan as Arne Slot admits injury fears

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Isak sealed his switch to Anfield on transfer deadline day for a British record fee, bringing to a close a protracted summer transfer saga.

The Sweden international effectively downed tools and released a scathing statement declaring his relationship with his former club was irreparable.

Due to Isak's rebellious approach, he was absent throughout Newcastle's pre-season preparations and sat out their opening three Premier League fixtures of the campaign.

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He also trained in isolation, prompting Slot to caution Reds faithful that his new signing will require time to reach peak condition or there is a risk of injury.

He said: "First of all, the Swedish manager Tomasson deserves a big compliment because he gets maybe the best striker in the world and needs him for his country but understands that playing him might result in injuries, so he took care of the player and he deserves a big compliment for that.

"We will treat Alex the same, so don't expect 90 mins every week, he missed pre-season and team sessions, so we have to build him up gradually.

"But that will be a challenge, but we have signed him for six years, so this is what the fans have to keep in mind if I bring him in.

"In football, there's always criticism, sometimes they cheer for us; after the League Cup, they were happy with him, in other moments, you get criticised.

The striker becomes part of an attacking arsenal that features Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Federico Chiesa, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike.

When quizzed about his alternatives, Slot remarked: "If you question the first time I've had that as Liverpool manager, then the answer is no.

"Diogo (Jota), Darwin (Nunez), Lucho (Luis Diaz), those who are no longer here.

We are happy they are fit, so a big compliment for Sweden manager and a few others, Ryan Gravenberch only started one game for the Netherlands."

Following his return from international commitments with Sweden, Isak arrived at the AXA Training Centre on Wednesday, with Slot confirming he has had minimal dialogue with his fresh acquisition.

"Maybe don't believe me, but I haven't spoken to him that much," he said.

"I phoned him after he signed and he had to go to Sweden, but 99 percent of the time during breaks, I leave the players for their national managers.

"I text him once or twice, but I do have to get to know him in the upcoming days and weeks.

But we have such a great culture here at this club, so we sign players for his qualities and I know how good he is, what a quality player he is.

"I don't think you can compare any situations with another; different owners, different situations – you cannot compare (Isak and Marc Guehi).

"I felt all the way we needed another attacking player, so happy we could get the one we wanted."