Alexander Isak has struggled with fitness issues but he is almost back to the level Liverpool need him to be.
The Reds have had a pretty torrid week overall, with three defeats on the bounce putting a big dampener on, what was, a fairly decent start to their title defence.
Liverpool now sit second in the table, one point behind Arsenal, although performances would show that they are very lucky to be within touching distance of the Gunners.
One silver lining, though, is that Isak has managed to get more minutes under his belt and looked sharp when given the chance to prove himself, although he is not fully fit just yet.
With the international break now upon us, this is a good time for the Swede to get some more valuable playing time, and his manager has just hinted how much he might get.
Alexander Isak could get his first 90 minutes of the season
Due to the pre-season Isak had, or in this case did not have, Liverpool fans have not yet been able to see exactly what he will bring to their team.
With that said, he has looked sharper in recent matches and played almost 90 minutes against Crystal Palace, as well as playing over three quarters of the match vs Chelsea on Saturday.
This indicates that he is almost at the level the Reds need him to be, and Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has hinted that he might get his first full game of the season this week while being full of praise for Liverpool’s patience.
“You need six weeks in a pre-season. First you play 45 minutes, then 60 minutes, 75 minutes and 90 minutes. Then you need another three weeks to be at your best. That’s normal,” he told Fotbollskanalen.
“We can’t change the situation. I’m just happy that Liverpool are doing the same thing I would have done. You can see that with Newcastle and Yoane Wissa, who came in instead of Isak.“
READ MORE: German legend Rudi Voller shares what he’s noticed about Florian Wirtz after watching Liverpool
“He played international matches with Congo straight away and is now injured. He is still injured. That’s also a reason why we couldn’t play him (Isak) so much last month.
“We need a good Isak this month and next month. That’s how we plan, while Liverpool have done really well.”
Alexander Isak will be ready for Liverpool after the international break
Liverpool need a big reaction when they return to action after this pause in the season, none more so than because they are playing Manchester United.
They need all their players back on top form, with Isak being one of these who should be able to perform as fitness will no longer be an excuse.
Barring any injuries, competition for places should remain strong and this should drive stars to impress, with the Isak vs Hugo Ekitike battle a very interesting one to say the least.
His country need him if they are to qualify for the World Cup and it would be no surprise to see him lead them to glory, although Reds fans will be hoping he can do so without returning to the treatment room.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
