Alexander Isak has declared himself ready for his first 90-minute performance since May after a “great” start to life at Liverpool.
Liverpool have treated Isak with care since he signed on deadline day, using their competitive matches for his ‘pre-season’ after a summer spent in isolation.
Arne Slot expects to see him closer to his best after the October international break, with that signalling the end of his programme, which stands at 312 competitive minutes for the club.
The Swede is eager to push himself further, though, with his first full outing since May 25 when his country host Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.
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“Tomorrow I’m ready for 90 minutes if needed. It’s been a month now,” he said via Fotbollskanalen.
“I’ve had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than last time.”
The quicker the striker can get up to speed, the better for Liverpool after three successive defeats across two competitions, with the team still needing to click after a summer of change.
Despite the recent results, Isak says his time at Anfield has been “great so far.” He added, “Great team and a city where the team has a good relationship with the fans.”
That is only the tip of the iceberg, Alex.
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Although Isak is insistent that he is ready for 90 minutes, Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has maintained that he will continue to treat the 26-year-old with the bigger picture in mind.
“That’s also a reason why we couldn’t play him so much last month,” Tomasson said earlier this week on the risk of injury during the previous break.
“We need a good Isak this month and next month. That’s how we plan, while Liverpool have done really well.
“I think Alexander is a good example in terms of how Liverpool have handled him in an excellent way.”
Sweden face Switzerland and Kosovo over the coming week and any intense minutes for Isak will only serve Liverpool well, more so if he returns with a goal or two for a timely injection of confidence.
The 26-year-old has so far started four of his six appearances for the club, with his 84 minutes at Crystal Palace the most he has managed to date.
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