Alexander Isak Omitted from Liverpool Squad for Turf Moor Trip as Reds Name Unchanged XI
Manager Arne Slot leaves British record signing on Merseyside citing match-fitness concerns as Liverpool travel to face Burnley
Liverpool left British record signing Alexander Isak out of their matchday squad for the Premier League fixture at Burnley on Sunday, manager Arne Slot and club correspondents confirmed ahead of kick-off at Turf Moor.
The Sweden forward, signed for a reported £125 million from Newcastle in the summer, did not travel with the squad and was absent as Liverpool’s players arrived at the ground. Club sources and reporters at the scene said Slot felt Isak lacked the necessary match fitness after a period of inactivity following the transfer.
Liverpool named an unchanged starting XI from the side that beat Arsenal before the international break. That selection sees Dominik Szoboszlai operate at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong named among the substitutes. Slot opted not to alter a side that returned to winning ways against Arsenal and are defending their Premier League title.
Burnley, under manager Scott Parker, made a couple of changes from the team that lost at Manchester United earlier in the season. Loum Tchaouna and Josh Laurent were included in the Clarets’ starting lineup as Parker sought to adjust his side for the visit of the champions.
Confirmation that Isak would not be involved came as Liverpool’s delegation arrived at Turf Moor, with reporters at the ground noting there was no indication the 24-year-old would be on the bench. The decision follows Isak’s late arrival into Liverpool’s squad and a pre-season period curtailed by his transfer, prompting Slot to prioritise player readiness ahead of match situations.
Liverpool also debuted their new third kit at Turf Moor, adding a visual talking point to pre-match scenes as champions and visitors prepared for the fixture.
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, speaking ahead of the match, described Burnley as facing a “massive test” and predicted a routine win for Liverpool, citing their quality despite what he called mixed early-season form. Redknapp referenced Szoboszlai’s decisive free-kick in the recent win over Arsenal as evidence of Liverpool’s match-winning capacity.
Reporters at Turf Moor said Slot did not make any late changes to the squad after arriving at the stadium. With Isak unavailable, Liverpool’s attacking options on the bench included established members of Slot’s forward line, while Burnley looked to the additions of Tchaouna and Laurent to add fresh impetus.
The omission underlines the challenges of integrating a high-profile mid-season signing who has not completed a full pre-season timetable. Club staff cited match fitness as the key factor in the decision, and no medical update suggesting injury was released by Liverpool prior to kick-off.
Isak’s absence reduces immediate pressure on Slot to find minutes for a player who attracted significant attention when he joined Liverpool in a record domestic deal. The club will monitor his training and short-term fitness ahead of forthcoming fixtures, with further squad decisions to be communicated through official channels.
Kick-off at Turf Moor was scheduled for later Sunday, with coverage and live updates to follow as the match progressed.