Alexander Isak's Champions League Debut in Doubt as Liverpool Face Atletico Madrid Test
Alexander Isak dominated the thoughts of every Liverpool fan when news broke in mid-July that the Swedish striker was determined to depart Newcastle United.
Despite the club securing a deal for the promising Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt during a remarkable summer transfer period, Liverpool supporters remained hungry for additional reinforcements.
The transfer saga proved chaotic until its resolution, but Isak, having damaged his relationships at Newcastle, ultimately achieved his objective late in the window as Liverpool agreed to a massive £125 million ($168 million) deal with the Magpies. An extra £5 million was included in solidarity payments.
His signing was viewed by many as confirmation that the champions would cruise to another title, yet Liverpool's early-season performances, despite securing four wins from four matches, indicate Slot must continue working to find the perfect tactical balance.
Isak's exceptional ability is undeniable, and anticipation grows to witness how the forward will perform in Liverpool colors. Though absent from Sunday's squad against Burnley, the demanding fixture schedule means Isak's Liverpool debut approaches rapidly. Could he feature against Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League match of 2025–26?
Will Alexander Isak Make Liverpool Debut vs. Atlético Madrid?
Isak's rebellion meant he remained inactive since the previous season's finale until appearing for 18 minutes in Sweden's second September World Cup qualifier against Kosovo.
Consequently, Slot urged patience regarding a Liverpool debut before Sunday's encounter at Turf Moor, with Isak instead resting after completing an intensive Saturday training session.
"We believe, during a week featuring three matches in seven days, this represents the optimal preparation for him to be ready against Atletico Madrid," Slot informed Sky Sports (via Liverpool's official website).
Though the Dutch manager stated Isak is "nowhere near ready" to complete multiple weekly fixtures, optimism exists that the striker might appear against Atlético on Wednesday evening. "He should be capable, either Wednesday or Saturday, of playing 45 minutes minimum and possibly slightly longer," Slot remarked over the weekend.
Following Isak's participation in Tuesday's training session, the Liverpool manager confirmed during his pre-match press conference that the elegant Swedish scorer is included in Wednesday's Champions League squad, stating there is "definitely a possibility" of his debut.
"There exists an opportunity to play. Typically, I would claim 99.9 percent certainty, but I can state with 100 percent confidence he will not complete 90 minutes. However, he is included in the squad," Slot informed reporters (via Liverpool's official website).
"It's already an exciting Champions League fixture to anticipate, but if supporters are eager for his playing time, that possibility could materialize tomorrow as well.
"The only certainty is he won't play the full 90 minutes, and everything else you'll discover tomorrow."