Burnley vs Liverpool: Why is Alexander Isak not part of the Reds starting lineup? All you need to know

Liverpool are facing Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, (September 14), but their record-breaking signing, Alexander Isak, is notably absent from the matchday squad. The £125 million striker was acquired from Newcastle United on deadline day. His highly anticipated debut for the Reds has been delayed. Let's dive in and know the reason behind his absence.

Reason behind Isak's absence

Alexander Isak’s omission from Liverpool’s squad against Burnley stems from ongoing fitness issues. The 25-year-old forward, who became Britain’s most expensive signing, has struggled after a disrupted pre-season. Isak went on strike at Newcastle, leading to his exclusion from first-team training, which significantly limited his preparation. As a result, he has not yet reached the fitness levels required to compete in Liverpool’s high-intensity system under manager Arne Slot.

“As everybody knew, he didn’t have any team training at Newcastle, then went to the national team and only played there for 15 to 20 minutes,” the head coach told Sky Sports.

Arne Slot on Alexander Isak's potential debut

“We think, with a week where we play three games in seven days, this is the best lead-up for Alexander Isak to be available against Atletico Madrid," Arne Slot said.

“That’s always difficult to say [how quickly he will be] up to full speed. What I can say is that normally in a pre-season, after one or two weeks you play your first 45 to 60 minutes, you build that up gradually," he added.

“So, where would he be? Second or third week of pre-season, I would say, so able to hopefully play during the week 45 minutes or more, but then two days later, as you know, we play Everton again," he explained.

Liverpool squad updates

While Alexander Isak was left out, Liverpool welcomed back Jeremie Frimpong to the matchday squad. The Dutch full-back, who missed the Reds’ last two Premier League games against Newcastle and Arsenal due to an injury sustained in the season opener against Bournemouth, is set to feature from the bench. In Frimpong’s absence, Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in as a right-back, showcasing Liverpool’s squad versatility.

With Isak unavailable, Liverpool’s attacking hopes rest heavily on French forward Hugo Ekitike. The young striker has made an immediate impact, matching Daniel Sturridge’s 12-year-old record by scoring in his first three matches for the club. Ekitike’s brilliant form is expected to provide Liverpool with a goal-scoring option.

Liverpool starting lineup against Burnley in EPL clash

Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Gravenberch.