Arne Slot drops hint over Alexander Isak debut

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been spotted in training with his new teammates ahead of the Reds’ Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid. However, Arne Slot’s side look set to be without Curtis Jones once again when they host the Spanish giants at Anfield on Wednesday night.

Isak, who sealed a record-breaking £125 million move from Newcastle United earlier this month, was rested during Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 Premier League win at Burnley on Sunday. The Swedish international instead focused on fitness, having missed a full pre-season with his former club.

Isak Set for Potential Liverpool Debut

Liverpool manager Arne Slot hinted that Isak could make his much-anticipated debut against Atletico Madrid, especially after his involvement in Tuesday’s training session at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

Speaking after the Burnley game, Slot explained: "He was doing recovery, he had a hard and tough session yesterday.

We got him from Newcastle in a state where his pre-season is going to start now. He needs proper minutes of training as a base.

Alex is far from ready for a schedule for three games in a week for 90 minutes, we could use him today for five or 10 minutes and again on Wednesday, but we don’t believe that’s the way to build him up.

Now we will be able either Wednesday or Saturday to play 45 as a minimum or maybe a bit more. But if he plays 45 on Wednesday don’t expect him to play 45 or more on Saturday because his body is not prepared for that in our opinion."

🚨 Virgil Van Dijk on what Isak told him after the final: “I'm not telling you! [laughs]”.

“Maybe in two years' time or three years' time, I will tell you. But not now. I can't remember!”. pic.twitter.com/lsAXjWJAgi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 15, 2025

Curtis Jones Still Absent

Midfielder Curtis Jones was again missing from training, continuing his spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in last month’s victory over Arsenal. His absence means he is unlikely to feature against Atletico.

Injury Updates and Young Talent

There was positive news for Liverpool, as Alexis Mac Allister was back in training despite being forced off at half-time at Turf Moor with an ankle problem. According to the Liverpool Echo, he took part fully in the session.

Youngsters Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, and Jayden Danns also trained with the first team, while Federico Chiesa featured despite not being registered for Liverpool’s Champions League group stage squad.