Manager Arne Slot has revealed why Alexander Isak was substituted in Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Federico Chiesa replaced the Swede at the start of the second half. Slot says Isak sustained an injury, but he is hopeful it is not serious.
He told Liverpool’s official website: “When he came, he (Isak) had hardly trained, so you bring him step by step forward and then you feel there must be a moment where he can play twice a week.
“But the first time we tried, he had to go off. Let’s hope it is not that bad. He had to come off because he felt his groin.
“Many people told me they wanted me to play him more. We had to find the balance, but it didn’t work out for us today. Let’s hope for the best.”
Isak struggles against Frankfurt
The Reds’ £125 million summer signing was handed his third consecutive start but failed to impress against Frankfurt’s vulnerable defence.
Isak registered the game’s first shot on target, forcing goalkeeper Michael Zetterer to make a save in the eighth minute. He did not have another attempt before his substitution.
He was barely involved, touching the ball 14 times and completing just four passes in Frankfurt’s half.
The 26-year-old also contributed little defensively, registering one aerial and one ground duel.
Isak was outshone yet again by fellow summer arrival Hugo Ekitike, who scored Liverpool’s first goal with a composed finish.
The Frenchman tormented his former club with his silky moves and was heavily involved in the build-up, showing Slot why he deserves a regular place in the team.
With uncertainty surrounding Isak’s fitness, Ekitike is likely to lead Liverpool’s attack in their Premier League clash at Brentford on Saturday.
Stats from sofascore.com.
