Striker Alexander Isak misses out on Liverpool training, causing concern for the team's fitness status

Liverpool's new center-forward, Alexander Isak, is set to make his official league debut for the Reds on September 21, 2025, in the much-anticipated Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield. However, the Swedish international's debut might be delayed due to his lack of match fitness.

Isak's ambitions to play for Liverpool were made clear during the international break, and his first official interview with the club's in-house media was conducted during this period. The transfer, which broke the British record, was a drawn-out process, lasting several weeks.

Unfortunately, Isak's lack of participation in Newcastle's pre-season tour and all of their friendlies, combined with a tricky summer with no games played and restricted training, has left him short of match fitness. As a result, he did not feature in Sweden's qualifier against Slovakia, with Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga starting up front in his absence.

Despite this, Isak may be given a cameo from the bench in Sweden's second and final fixture of the September international break against Kosovo. Liverpool's upcoming matches against Burnley and Atletico Madrid may be affected by Isak's lack of match fitness, with his full debut potentially coming later this month in the derby.

Anthony Elanga scored in the 2-2 draw against Slovakia, providing a glimmer of hope for the Swedish team in Isak's absence. The young winger's impressive performance serves as a reminder of the talent Liverpool has signed in Isak, and fans eagerly await his first official appearance for the Reds.

Striker Alexander Isak misses out on Liverpool training, causing concern for the team's fitness status