2 hours ago
8
Alexander Isak could be in line to make his Liverpool debut when the Reds begin their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
The £125million summer signing from Newcastle was left out of Liverpool's squad for their 1-0 victory against Burnley on Sunday.
Liverpool cited Isak's fitness as being behind Arne Slot's decision, with the forward having played just 18 minutes of competitive football in four months.
It followed Isak going on strike at Newcastle in order to force through his summer move, with the Sweden international eventually signing for Liverpool on deadline day.
He made a substitute appearance for Sweden during the last international break, before being left out of Liverpool's squad against Burnley as he continues to build his fitness.
Speaking at his press conference before their Champions League opener, Slot confirmed Isak will be named in Liverpool's squad but revealed he will not be fit enough to play the full 90 minutes.
Alexander Isak could make his Liverpool debut in the Champions League on Wednesday
'There is definitely a chance, he is in the squad and has a chance to play,' Slot said, when asked about Isak's potential involvement.
'I would usually say 99.9 per cent sure but I can say 100 per cent 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.'
When asked whether Isak could start, Slot replied: 'The only thing we're sure of is he will not play 90.'
Liverpool, who have made a perfect start to the Premier League season, finished top of the league phase in last season's new-look Champions League.
Slot's side were ultimately drawn against PSG in the last-16, after the French side had come through a play-off match.
PSG knocked out the Reds on penalties before going on to win the Champions League for the first time.
Liverpool start their Champions League campaign at home to Atletico Madrid, before matches against Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt, Real Madrid, PSV, Inter Milan, Marseille and Qarabag.
