Newcastle had a 'major concern' about Alexander Isak before selling him to Liverpool, Arne Slot needs to be wary
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Liverpool fans are awaiting the debut of Alexander Isak, but there is one issue that could cause problems for the star.
Isak’s move to Anfield was secured on deadline day after a highly publicised saga ended with the Reds securing their top forward target for the British record fee of £125 million.
It was a brilliant coup from Arne Slot’s side, who fought to get their man for the right price after Newcastle United tried to deny the move at every opportunity.
But now the Swedish international is on Merseyside, and with his session yesterday at the AXA training ground, supporters are already excited about what the striker can potentially bring to the club.
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
As they prepare to face Burnley, Slot will have to decide whether the Swede will make it onto the bench to face the newly promoted side in their fourth game of the season.
Hugo Ekitike will likely continue his impressive start to life in red with a place in the starting XI, while the new No.
9 may have to sit on the sidelines.
It may even be a while yet before he gets his start, if reports from Newcastle’s fitness department and manager Eddie Howe are to be believed.
According to Chronicle Live, a fitness plan had been devised for the 25-year-old if he were to stay in Tyneside, but it would see him return to match fitness following the October international break.
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The concerns were raised after the striker decided not to train with the main group, with his match fitness brought into question after not featuring on the Magpies’ pre-season tour due to a minor injury.
Howe spoke to the site a day before Liverpool bought the forward, he said: “Alex had been working individually with our sports science department, and they have been getting him fit.
“But in terms of how match fit he is, and what he’s actually done, it is difficult to judge.
Match fitness is very different.
That (how long he plays for) is for Alex and Jon Dahl Tomasson to decide.”
It is a worry for the Dutch coach, who would want to bring in the final piece of the front line for his side as soon as possible.
The next month, before players rejoin their international teams for the second time this season, features some interesting fixtures, including the Merseyside derby and second-placed Chelsea.
It may be that Isak can make a cameo appearance off the bench in these fixtures, but it is more likely that we will see a full start with the goalscorer at his best for an important game.
Following the international games, Liverpool face Manchester United on 19 September in a game steeped in history and bad blood, which could be the perfect way for the record-breaking transfer to make a statement.
A great performance here, even against a more depleted United side than usual, is always the perfect way to win the hearts of supporters on the terraces and stake a claim in club history.