Alexander Isak joins Liverpool training 24 hours after Sweden appearance amid threat reports
New Liverpool No.9 links up with Arne Slot at Melwood after British-record move; fitness for Burnley remains uncertain
Alexander Isak took part in his first training session with Liverpool on Wednesday, arriving at the club’s Melwood training ground just 24 hours after representing Sweden in a World Cup qualifying match and amid reports of threats to his safety in his home country.
The 25-year-old forward, signed by Liverpool last week in what has been reported as a British-record transfer, trained under new manager Arne Slot and appeared in good spirits as he began work with his new team-mates. It is unclear whether Isak will be fit to start at Turf Moor against Burnley on Sunday after a busy international schedule and a summer in which he declined to take part in Newcastle United’s pre-season programme.
Isak had been included in Sweden’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo and came off the bench in Monday’s match in Pristina as Sweden sought a way back from a two-goal deficit. He was introduced with around 20 minutes remaining but Sweden were unable to overturn the scoreline and suffered a 2-0 defeat to 10-man Kosovo, leaving their qualification hopes in jeopardy ahead of next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The former Real Sociedad striker scored 23 Premier League goals last season and is expected to fill Liverpool’s No. 9 role. Liverpool’s medical staff and coaching team will assess his fitness ahead of the weekend fixture; the club has not confirmed whether he will be involved on Sunday.
Isak’s first training session comes after his move last week, when Liverpool completed the deal to bring him to Merseyside. The transfer followed a protracted summer of speculation and ended with Isak departing Newcastle United, where he had established himself as one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards.
Liverpool manager Slot has a short turn-around to integrate the new signing before the club’s next league match. The timing of international fixtures has left several clubs managing quick returns for players called up by their national teams; Isak’s case will be monitored closely for any residual fatigue from travel and match action.
Club officials and national-team staff have not publicly detailed any security measures, but media reports in Sweden referenced threats tied to recent events surrounding the player. Liverpool declined immediate comment on those reports on Wednesday.
Further updates on Isak’s availability for the Burnley match are expected in the lead-up to the weekend. Meanwhile, Sweden must regroup quickly in their qualifying group as the loss to Kosovo has left them needing positive results to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive.