Isak in contention for Liverpool debut as Van Dijk says new striker was needed

Alexander Isak could make his Liverpool debut in their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid, with captain Virgil van Dijk adamant the Reds needed a new striker.

Following a protracted transfer saga, Isak joined the Premier League champions in a British-record deal worth up to £130m on deadline day.

Having not had any involvement in pre-season with his former club Newcastle United, Isak was left out of Liverpool's matchday squad for Sunday's 1-0 win at Burnley.

Isak he should be involved when the Reds open their European campaign against Atletico on Wednesday, though Arne Slot is certain the Swede will not get 90 minutes.

Asked about the likelihood of Isak being involved, Slot said: "There's definitely a chance because he's in the squad and has the chance to play.

"I would usually say I'm 99.9% sure, but I can say it's 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he's part of the squad. The only thing we're sure of is he will not play 90.

"It's already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people are looking forward to his playing time, that could happen tomorrow as well."

Since Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022, only Erling Haaland (87) and Mohamed Salah (66) have bettered his 54 Premier League goals. 

Isak averaged a goal every 121 minutes for the Magpies in the competition, and among all players to net 20 Premier League goals in that time, he ranks third for shot conversion rate (23.7%), behind Chris Wood (28.7%) and Haaland (24.2%).

Van Dijk has been impressed with Isak's quality in training following his return from international duty with Sweden.

"He's made a very good impression, he's very eager. Obviously, he's been showing his quality already, since the first session," the defender said. 

"There are only positives. Off the pitch as well, we're having conversations – I spoke to him during the international break once everything was sorted.

"It's now about getting him as fit as possible and understanding each of us as quickly as possible. How we train, how we press, our set-pieces... it's been a good week for him."

And the Dutchman believes the signing of Isak – as well as the €90m (£69m) move that brought Hugo Ekitike to Anfield – was necessary following the sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, as well as the death of Diogo Jota.

Van Dijk said: "It's not really an addition, is it? It's a replacement because players with a lot of quality left us. We had to replace these players who were so important for us and who we had a lot of success with.

"It comes with the price tag and we have no control over that. There will always be talk about that, which creates pressure, but it's down to him and us that we don't speak about it.

"Just work hard, enjoy being the number nine for Liverpool, help the team with goals and assists, link up play and help others. That's the only thing."