3 hours ago
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Alexander Isak will make his much anticipated Liverpool debut from the start with the forward leading the line in their opening Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Isak's fitness has been a concern with the Sweden international having played just 18 minutes of football in the past four months.
It followed Isak going on strike over the summer in a bid to force through a British record transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool, a deal eventually completed on deadline day.
He was left out of Liverpool's squad for their 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday, but boss Arne Slot teased his involvement against Atletico Madrid in his pre-match press conference.
'There is definitely a chance because he is in the squad, then there is a chance to play,' Slot said on Tuesday.
The Liverpool boss had stressed that if Isak played from the start, he would not be ready to play the entire match against Diego Simeone's side.
Alexander Isak makes his Liverpool debut from the start as the Reds face Atletico Madrid
'It is 100 per cent sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he is part of the squad so it is 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.'
Asked what Isak's biggest challenge is, Slot added: 'Getting fit. He doesn't have to prove to anyone he is good enough to play in the Premier League because that is what he has proven already at Newcastle.'
After being given the nod in attack, Isak will hope to start playing back his big-money transfer fee.
Liverpool, who have enjoyed a perfect start in the Premier League after four straight wins, open their Champions League campaign with tough opposition in Atletico.
The Reds will also face Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid, PSV, Inter Milan, Marseille and Qarabag in the league phase.
Liverpool finished top of the new-look league phase last season, but suffered a last-16 exit on penalties to eventually Champions League winners PSG.
