Alexander Isak in Liverpool squad for Atletico clash but “won’t play 90”

Alexander Isak is in the Liverpool squad for their Champions League opener with Atletico Madrid.

The Sweden international, who joined Liverpool in a £125million British-record move from Newcastle United on deadline day, has yet to make his debut for the Reds and was not included in the squad for last Sunday’s win over Burnley.

Isak did play for Sweden during the international break in a shock 2-0 defeat to Kosovo in World Cup qualifying, but the lack of a pre-season after he refused to train or play for Newcastle to force through his transfer to Liverpool has meant his bow being delayed.

But Isak could feature at Anfield against Atletico on Wednesday, though manager Arne Slot made it clear he would not play the full game.

Asked if Isak will play, Slot told a pre-match press conference: “Definitely a chance because he’s in the squad and the chance to play, I would usually say 99.9% sure but I can say 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes but he’s part of the squad.

“It’s already a Champions League game to look forward to but if people look forward to his playing time that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well.” 

“The only thing we’re sure of is he will not play 90.”