Liverpool fans were left waiting again as Isak was omitted from the squad to face Burnley on Sunday. Slot highlighted Wissa’s case, after the DR Congo forward forced a move to Newcastle from Brentford without pre-season and is now sidelined with a knee issue. The Dutchman insisted this was proof of the risks of throwing Isak straight into action.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Slot opened up about the caution he is taking with Isak by hinting at Wissa’s injury by saying: “Another player that wasn’t available for team training for a long time, the one from Brentford, Wissa, he got two 90-minute games and he’s out with an injury now for four weeks or maybe more.”
Liverpool’s record signing is being handled with caution as Slot looks ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid. The manager is keen to ease him in gradually, ensuring he avoids the same fate as Wissa. Slot added: “As everybody knew, he didn’t have any team training at Newcastle, then went to the national team and only played 15, 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.”
Isak will continue to build his fitness in training ahead of the Atletico Madrid game in the Champions League. Should he come through unscathed, the striker could then feature again in the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday. Liverpool supporters may soon see their £125m man leading the line across two key fixtures.
