Alexander Isak has insisted he is finally fit enough to play 90 minutes for Liverpool after his £125million summer move.
The striker’s future was the saga of the summer as he went on strike with Newcastle to force through a move to Anfield, meaning he did not have a pre-season and would take a while to get up to speed.
He made his first start for Arne Slot’s side on September 23 in the Carabao Cup against Southampton, playing 45 minutes, and has made a further three starts, scoring one goal in total.
But he is yet to complete 90 minutes for his new side, sharing game time with fellow new man Hugo Ekitike, who has settled into life at Anfield a little smoother.
This fortnight, the 26-year-old is away on international duty with national side Sweden as they compete in World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo.
In the last international break, Isak played a total of 18 minutes overall across two games – but has insisted he is now ready for more.
Liverpool have been handed a major fitness boost with Alexander Isak insisting he is ready to play 90 minutes
The forward is yet to play a full match for Liverpool since joining for £125million in the summer
‘I think I’m ready,’ the forward said ahead of his side’s game against Switzerland on Friday. ‘We’ll take it one game at a time.
‘I am ready to play 90 minutes, if necessary.’
Liverpool have suffered a dip of late, losing their last three matches in all competitions, including two in the Premier League.
Summer signings including Isak, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz have struggled to settle in the side, with manager Slot regularly shuffling the pack to find a solution,
That includes for star man Mohamed Salah, who has been a shadow of his former self so far – but Isak has something to do with that, Rooney has claimed.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, he said: ‘With the players coming in, Isak, [Hugo] Ekitike, and Wirtz, the money they have spent on the, what does Salah think now?
‘Top players have an ego, and Mo Salah has been one of the best players in the league for a long time.
‘I think the last week has shown that when it’s gone well, you’re scoring goals and you’re winning games, it’s great and the team will put up with that, but over the last week, I’d question his work ethic.
‘I know he doesn’t always get back and defend as much, but in the Chelsea game, his full-back is getting torn apart, and he is watching.’
