Liverpool manager Arne Slot surprised Reds fans by leaving Alexander Isak out of the squad for Sunday’s match against Burnley.
Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for £130 million on the final day of the summer transfer window, the most expensive transfer in Premier League history.
Isak missed most of the pre-season with Newcastle and also refused to train with the club for the last month and a half to pressure the club to allow him to join Liverpool.
During the recent international break, Isak played for Sweden, which led Liverpool fans to be optimistic that they would see the 25-year-old in action against Burnley. However, Slot’s decision backfired.
Slot justified his decision to leave Isak out of the squad even against Burnley by saying, “As everyone knows, he didn’t have any training at Newcastle, and then he went to the national team and only played 15 or 20 minutes.” He added, “We believe, with a week of three matches in seven days, this is the best preparation for him to be available against Atletico Madrid.”
Liverpool beat Burnley thanks to a last-minute penalty from Mohamed Salah, and now the Reds are preparing to host Atletico Madrid at Anfield next Wednesday, in the opening match of the 2025-26 Champions League.
