We must give him time — Liverpool boss pleads for patience with Isak

Arne Slot has provided an update on Alexander Isak’s fitness, suggesting the striker will be limited to cameo appearances as he builds up his match readiness.

Isak joined Liverpool in a British-record £125 million deal from Newcastle but arrived lacking fitness due to an injury and a self-imposed training exile.

After building up his fitness with the Swedish national team during the international break, fans are eager to see him in action against Burnley this Sunday.

However, Slot indicated a gradual approach to his integration.

“First of all, the Swedish manager, [Jon Dahl] Tomasson deserves a big compliment because he gets maybe the best striker in the world in and needs him for his country but understands that playing him might result in injuries, so he took care of the player and he deserves a big compliment for that,” Slot said.

He added, “We will treat Alex the same, so don’t expect 90 minutes every week, he missed pre-season and team sessions so we have to build him up gradually.

"That will be a challenge, but we have signed him for six years, so this is what the fans have to keep in mind if I bring him in.”

As Isak works on his fitness, Hugo Ekitike is expected to continue leading the attack for Liverpool against Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon.