Sunday’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Burnley did not include the Swedish international who did not even make the bench as manager Arne Slot picked a side who were ready not just tactically but also physically, which is something Isak is missing at the moment.
Isak became the most expensive player in British football history when he joined the Reds from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, and many were confused to see him not be involved at all, especially against a newly promoted side.
Now, Slot has confirmed the £125M signing could feature in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid which is arguably Liverpool’s toughest test yet.
“As everybody knew, he didn’t have any team training at Newcastle, then went to the national team (and) only played there for 15 to 20 minutes.
“We think, with a week where we play three games in seven days, this is the best lead-up for him to be available against Atletico Madrid.
“That’s always difficult to say (how quickly he will be) up to full speed. What I can say is that normally in a pre-season, after one or two weeks you play your first 45 to 60 minutes, you build that up gradually.
“It’s going to be interesting for the performance staff, for us, to get the best out of him at the start but also to keep him available for the end.”
Isak’s last competitive appearance for Newcastle came on May 25, in a 90-minute outing against Everton and it is clear that he is not ready to make a full start for The Reds. However, he is likely to make a cameo against Atletico this week as Slot eases him into the squad.