Alexander Isak plan revealed by Arne Slot after the £125m man missed Burnley win

Last Updated on 15 September 2025

Liverpool made it four wins from four after a stoppage time penalty from Mohamed Salah handed them a narrow win at Turf Moor.

The Premier League champions left it late, again, to keep their 100% winning record intact.

After a resolute defensive display from Burnley, it was Jeremie Frimpong’s cross in the 93rd minute that unlocked the door for Liverpool.

Hannibal Mejbri’s handball blocked the cross, and the penalty was given immediately.

Salah sent Martin Dubravka the wrong way to break the deadlock in the 95th minute.

Arne Slot promises ’45 minutes’ of Alexander Isak in the upcoming week

After Alexander Isak came on for Sweden against Kosovo for the final few minutes, there was an expectation he’d get his Liverpool debut against Burnley.

That expectation evaporated almost instantly as Slot decided to keep Isak out of the squad.

Speaking in the post-match presser, the Dutchman explained his decision.

“Alex is far from ready for that schedule of three games a week, 90 minutes. Today, we could have used him for five minutes and ten on Wednesday, but we don’t believe that is the way to build him up.”

Slot and his medical team drastically improved Liverpool’s injury concerns during their 2024/25 campaign, according to The Athletic.

“Now, he will be able, either Wednesday or Saturday, to play 45 as a minimum, maybe a bit more,” added Slot.

That means, barring injures, Isak will make his Liverpool debut, either in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid or in the Premier League against Everton at Anfield.

Who will Alexander Isak replace in Liverpool’s stacked attack?

Arne Slot will have a major headache when it comes to picking his team for Liverpool’s Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Despite starting the season slowly, Mohamed Salah is undroppable, after he moved to fourth, past Andy Cole in the all-time Premier League top-scorers.

Hugo Ekitike already has four goal involvements for Liverpool in five games. After his impressive start, it would be unfair to drop him for Isak.

Even Cody Gakpo has done his part, getting two assists and a goal in the Premier League.

The question is, who makes way for Alexander Isak?

Could it be a like-for-like replacement with Ekitike moving to the bench and Isak starting up front?

Or will Slot move Ekitike on the left wing and put Isak through the middle? That would allow the front four with Salah and Wirtz to interchange.

It may be a difficult call for Slot to make, but it’s definitely a good headache to have.