Liverpool Dominates Frankfurt, But Concerns Grow Over Isak’s Injury
FRANKFURT, Germany — Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed concerns about Alexander Isak’s fitness following a groin injury sustained during the team’s impressive 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. Slot hopes the £125 million ($167 million) forward won’t be sidelined for an extended period.
While Liverpool celebrated their decisive victory that ended a four-match losing streak, injuries to Isak and teammate Jeremie Frimpong slightly dulled the joy for the Premier League champions. Frimpong suffered a hamstring injury, and Isak had an underwhelming performance before being substituted at halftime.
Isak has been struggling to find his form since his move from Newcastle, and Slot commented on the player’s limited training over the summer due to a transfer standoff, which has become a concern. “Alex had to go off at halftime, and that’s not something you want. He felt his groin, so let’s hope it’s not too serious,” Slot stated.
The Liverpool manager elaborated on the challenges of managing Isak’s fitness, saying, “If he is out for several weeks, it could set him back. He hardly trained during the preseason, and we are trying to balance his preparation as we play so frequently.” Slot emphasized the difficulty of preparing players for a demanding schedule without proper preseason training, adding, “This has made it tricky for us.”
Slot mentioned that Isak was fit enough to play against Frankfurt, stating, “I wouldn’t have played him if he wasn’t,” but acknowledged the ongoing struggle to get the 26-year-old back to his optimal fitness level after a disrupted summer.
Despite the injury worries, Slot remains hopeful and appreciates the work done with Isak, including his involvement with the Swedish national team, which contributed to his training. “It’s a fine line between managing a player who missed preseason and those who can play through the challenges faced,” he said.
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