Liverpool remain the only Premier League side with a perfect record after three games, but their winning run has not come without concerns. Manager Arne Slot will be hoping his squad avoids further setbacks, with several players already facing injury or fitness issues early in the campaign.
After losing the Community Shield on penalties, Liverpool bounced back with late victories against Bournemouth at Anfield and Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. They then edged Arsenal thanks to a superb free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai. While it has been a strong start, Slot will need his key men available as the season intensifies with Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures after the international break.
Alexander Isak
Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak is not carrying a specific injury but is short of match fitness. The Swedish striker missed Newcastle’s pre-season and the opening games of their season due to a thigh problem, meaning he arrives at Anfield without recent competitive minutes.
In his first interview as a Liverpool player, Isak revealed his ambition to debut against Burnley after the international break but admitted he must be realistic:
“I’ve had a difficult summer with no games and limited training. It’s something we have to judge carefully, but I want to play as soon as possible.”
Isak has since joined the Swedish national team and could get his first minutes of the season in World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia on September 5 and Kosovo on September 8.
Sweden’s head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson stressed that the striker’s workload will be managed cautiously:
“We won’t do anything stupid. He hasn’t had a pre-season, so he can’t play 90 minutes yet. We have a clear plan, and he’s happy to be here. We are in close contact with Liverpool’s staff to make sure everything is done properly.”
