Alexander Isak Reflects on Challenging Liverpool Start Amid Injuries

Liverpool, England — Alexander Isak has acknowledged that his beginning at Liverpool has not been ideal due to injuries over the past few months.

The forward, who holds the record as the most expensive player in British football history, is still searching for form after struggling with fitness issues. After a delaying 16 days before his first game, he now faces an uncertain path ahead following a muscle injury that has kept him out of the last four matches.

“It has not been optimal,” the 26-year-old said candidly after another defeat this season. Isak has managed to play 12 times for both club and country this season but has only scored once and faced eight losses.

Earlier this season, Isak started in two consecutive games but picked up a muscular issue. Although he was fit enough to be on the bench for Liverpool’s match against Manchester City, his performance for Sweden last Saturday was not impressive, highlighting his ongoing health struggles. “It’s hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute,” Isak lamented.

Isak’s injury troubles mirror his last stint at Newcastle, where he missed 38 games over three years. “It is always frustrating when you are injured. Regardless of whether it is one match or several,” he reflected, emphasizing the emotional toll such setbacks impose on players.

While Isak has been sidelined, fellow striker Hugo Ekitiké has been thriving. Ekitiké, who joined Liverpool for a much lower fee, scored his first senior international goal for France recently. “It’s a childhood dream,” he declared after a standout performance.

The young Frenchman is keen to build a partnership with Isak when both are fit. “It can work, definitely,” Ekitiké said regarding their potential synergy on the pitch.

Meanwhile, Koeman’s Netherlands squad is preparing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. After a 1-1 draw against Poland, Koeman urged improvement ahead of their match against Lithuania. The team leads Group G but will remain cautious as they aim for a strong finish.

Despite setbacks, including injuries to key players like Justin Kluivert, the Netherlands squad remains optimistic about securing their spot in next year’s tournament.