Liverpool’s Isak Misses Squad Amid Fitness Woes Before Burnley Clash

LIVERPOOL, England – Alexander Isak‘s anticipated debut for Liverpool has been postponed, as the club left the striker out of their matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League game against Burnley due to fitness issues. Isak joined Liverpool on deadline day for a British record fee of £125 million but has struggled with conditioning after skipping much of Newcastle‘s pre-season training.

Manager Arne Slot confirmed during a news conference that Isak’s absence was necessary to ensure his long-term fitness. He praised Sweden’s national team manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, for managing Isak’s playing time effectively during the international break, where he appeared only as a last-minute substitute against Kosovo.

“First of all, I think it’s important to note that he missed a proper pre-season, about three or four months of team sessions. We have to build him up gradually,” Slot said. “The fans need to understand that we’ll not expect him to play 90 minutes regularly in the upcoming weeks.”

Slot opted to keep the same starting lineup that secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal in their last outing. Liverpool’s expected XI for the match will feature Alisson, Szoboszlai, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Wirtz, Salah, Ekitike, and Gakpo.

While Isak was left out of the squad, Liverpool’s other players returned from the international break without major injuries, apart from Curtis Jones, who will remain sidelined.

Burnley aims to maintain momentum after their previous home win against Sunderland and will look to present a formidable challenge to Liverpool amid the club’s effort to maintain its unbeaten start to the season. Head coach Scott Parker described facing Liverpool as a significant challenge, emphasizing the importance of his squad giving their best version in this elite encounter.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 2 PM UK time with Liverpool seeking to stay atop the Premier League table.