Rousing the Kop

Liverpool fans given even more reason to worry over Alexander Isak after Graham Potter comments

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Alexander Isak has been one of the major disappointments of Liverpool’s season after his record-breaking move in September.The Swede pushed to join the Reds right up until the last day of the transfer window, severing all ties with Newcastle in slightly ugly fashion.Having spent a full pre-season alone, supporters knew it would take Isak a little while to get up to speed at Liverpool.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. A groin injury suffered in October made life even more difficult for the striker, but a call-up to the Sweden national team for November’s fixtures suggested he is ready to make an impact.New Sweden boss Graham Potter claimed Isak is fit ahead of his team’s crucial matches against Switzerland and Slovenia, leading to hope that the No.



9’s fitness troubles are behind him.However, after Potter spoke to the press once again on Friday, Liverpool fans may be concerned once again.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesAlexander Isak not ready to play 180 minutesUntil Liverpool can get Isak on the pitch more often than not, they will continue to look a little makeshift in their approach.Arne Slot is clearly planning to use his record signing as part of his regular starting XI, but has so far been unable to do that on a consistent basis.READ MORE: Emile Heskey and Wayne Rooney share the same view of Liverpool striker Hugo EkitikeAnd according to Potter, he will not be able to do that either during this month’s international fixtures. When will Alexander Isak hit form for Liverpool?

“Every Liverpool player and fan knows that when Alexander Isak hits form, or whenever it clicks, he’s going to be a problem.”Adebayo Akinfenwa on Alexander IsakPhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images “He’s not ready to play two 90-minute games in four days, so we have to be smart and use him well,” Potter said.“He is not ready to start tomorrow. “I don’t want to talk too much about details or the starting eleven, but I think the best thing for Alex is to help us tomorrow from the bench.”Isak could be ready to play more football once he returns to Liverpool in a week’s time, but it feels more likely that the Reds will have to continue managing his minutes for at least a little while longer.Isak struggles set to continue into festive periodAlthough there is little question that Isak’s short time at Liverpool so far has been disappointing, that does not mean that he can’t still come good.Nevertheless, Slot – and Isak himself – will no doubt be frustrated at this latest turn of events, which could stop Liverpool truly hitting their straps over Christmas.With so many festive fixtures on the calendar, Liverpool need their best players available and ready to play every few days.At the moment, it does not look as though Isak can be counted upon in that respect.