Alexander Isak doesn’t need to prove to anyone he’s good enough for the Premier League – Arne Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says record signing Alexander Isak has already shown his quality in English football and does not need to prove himself again as he prepares for a potential debut in the UEFA Champions League against Atletico Madrid.

The Swedish striker, who joined the Reds on deadline day for £125 million ($169.5 million), has yet to play for the club but has been named in the squad for Tuesday night’s clash at Anfield.

Isak, born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, missed Liverpool’s 1-0 Premier League win over Burnley last weekend but could feature on Europe’s biggest stage.

Slot confirmed Isak’s inclusion while tempering expectations about his fitness level. “Definitely a chance because he’s in the squad,” he told reporters. “I can say 100% sure he will not play 90 minutes. But he’s part of the squad.”

Explaining the striker’s current condition, Slot added: “(His biggest challenge is) getting fit after missing out on four months of proper team sessions.”

He then emphasised the 25-year-old’s proven credentials: “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 open their Champions League campaign looking to build on last season’s group-stage form, while Atletico Madrid travel without injured forward Julián Álvarez.