Swedish-Eritrean striker Alexander Isak named in Liverpool squad for Atletico Madrid Champions League clash

Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak will be part of the squad for their UEFA Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid at Anfield, manager Arne Slot confirmed on Tuesday.

The Swedish international, who cost the club £125 million ($169.5 million) on deadline day, is yet to feature for the Reds but could make his debut on Europe’s biggest stage.

Isak, who was born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, has not played competitively since leaving Newcastle United and missed Liverpool’s 1-0 Premier League win at Burnley last weekend.

Slot, however, said the 25-year-old will be included against the Spanish side, although he warned supporters not to expect a full 90-minute performance.

“Definitely a chance because he’s in the squad,” Slot told reporters on Tuesday. “I can say 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he’s part of the squad.”

Slot explained that Isak is still regaining match sharpness after a lengthy spell out of full training. “(His biggest challenge is) getting fit after missing out on four months of proper team sessions,” the Dutchman said.

“He doesn’t have to prove to anyone that he’s good enough to play in the Premier League, because that’s what he’s proven already at Newcastle.”

Liverpool will hope to build on last season’s group-stage consistency, which ended in a round-of-16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, will be without forward Julián Álvarez, who is sidelined with a knee injury. The match at Anfield presents an early test for Slot’s side as they begin their European campaign.