Alexander Isak in Liverpool squad for Atletico clash but “won’t play 90”

Alexander Isak is in the Liverpool squad for their Champions League opener with Atletico Madrid.

The Sweden international, who joined Liverpool in a £125million British-record move from Newcastle United on deadline day, has yet to make his debut for the Reds and was not included in the squad for last Sunday’s win over Burnley.

Isak did play for Sweden during the international break in a shock 2-0 defeat to Kosovo in World Cup qualifying, but the lack of a pre-season after he refused to train or play for Newcastle to force through his transfer to Liverpool has meant his bow being delayed.

But Isak could feature at Anfield against Atletico on Wednesday, though manager Arne Slot made it clear he would not play the full game.

Isak in line for debut

Asked if Isak will play, Slot told a pre-match press conference: “Definitely a chance because he’s in the squad and the chance to play, I would usually say 99.9% sure but I can say 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes but he’s part of the squad.

“It’s already a Champions League game to look forward to but if people look forward to his playing time that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well.” 

“The only thing we’re sure of is he will not play 90.”

No worries over Wirtz

Liverpool laboured at the weekend with Isak not in the squad, the defending Premier League champions needing a 95th-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah to beat Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor.

There has been great scrutiny on the early form of Florian Wirtz, who joined Liverpool in a £100m move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Wirtz has yet to score or produce an assist for Liverpool in four league games, though Slot attributes that record to the calibre of opposition they have faced.

“I put that down to Bournemouth, Newcastle, Arsenal and to a team we faced this weekend that only conceded 14 goals last season [in the Championship],” said Slot.

“Everybody’s very focused on us winning the games late on. But that, again, has a lot to do with the teams we’ve faced as well.

“Of course it has a bit to do with how fit we are, that we can always keep going and make a difference in the last part of the game. 

“But if you face maybe teams that are not as strong you can win the game a little earlier, so it maybe tells you how difficult our schedule has been in the first few games.

“And then people will say, “What are you talking about? You played Burnley as well” but last season this team only conceded 14 goals in the whole season.”

Liverpool may find it difficult to break down an Atletico team renowned for their determination and work rate in defence, with Slot well aware his side will need to improve if they are to claim all three points to start their league phase campaign.

“When I was at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, we knew when you went from a Sunday to a Wednesday you had to make two steps up unless you played Ajax or PSV on the weekend,” Slot added.

“But in the Premier League, it is the same quality or a little step up so again, a very difficult one because Atletico Madrid have done so well in La Liga. So many years with Diego Simeone and even able to win the league twice when you face Real Madrid and Barcelona. 

“Again a team that is a difficult one to play against because of their mentality, team performance and quality.”