Isak’s Fitness Concerns Delay Debut…
Five days after Liverpool’s jaw-dropping signing of Alexander Isak, the excitement has waned faster than a cheetah on a skateboard. The international break has hit, leaving fans with little more than keeping tabs on Liverpool players’ international exploits. As Isak has journeyed back to Sweden, it’s his match fitness—or lack thereof—that’s making waves, not the pressure of his £125 million price tag or his goal-scoring prowess. Sweden’s boss, Jon Dahl Tomasson, confirmed Isak’s rusty condition and hinted at no miracle fitness workouts being risked mid-week. Watching from the sidelines in a 2-2 draw against Slovenia, Isak had less action than a turtle in a hammock.
Perhaps this news shouldn’t come as a surprise; after all, training away from teammates is about as effective as trying to pet a lion with a pair of chopsticks. Isak’s limited training means Liverpool fans should hold off on seeing him storm the pitch like a Viking conquering Burnley next week. While Hugo Ekitike continues to dazzle like a magician with a ball, the alternatives like Florian Wirtz as a false No. 9 offer some relief. Isak’s official debut might just be against Southampton on September 23, but until then, Liverpool can anticipate the fitness crescendo of their star signing with anticipation akin to waiting for a snail to finish a marathon.
