Isak 'not at 100%' but will make Liverpool squad for Atletico clash

Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, has confirmed that Alexander Isak could make his debut this Wednesday against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but stressed that he certainly "won't play the full 90 minutes."

The Swedish striker, signed for €150 million this summer, is yet to make his debut for the Reds due to his lack of fitness after playing just 19 official minutes in three and a half months. He also missed pre-season with Newcastle as he pushed for a move.

However, he trained with his teammates on Tuesday and will be in the squad for the match when Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield this Wednesday.

"He has a chance to play because he's going to be in the squad, so yes, he might play. What is 100% certain is that he is not going to play the 90 minutes. We'll see about the rest," said Arne Slot, the English side's manager, in a press conference.

Liverpool have won all four of their Premier League matches and now turn their attention to the Champions League, where they are keen to make amends for their early exit in the round of 16 last year, despite finishing top of their group.

"We are well above the expectations we had in the summer. We know what has happened in recent months and we knew the schedule we had for the opening games. For us, having 12 points is much more than I expected with all the changes there have been in the team. We can still do even better," he explained.

Regarding Atletico Madrid, the Dutch coach highlighted that Atletico have done very well in the last decade under Diego Pablo Simeone, recalling their league titles and Champions League final appearances.

"They are a very difficult team to face because of their mentality. The last time I faced them, Griezmann was sensational, but now I have players who can be at that level. When I was at Feyenoord, they weren't yet at the point in their careers where they could do that," he concluded.