Andoni Iraola demands Alexander Isak prove himself after injury-hit Liverpool debut season

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has challenged Alexander Isak to make his availability count as the Sweden striker prepares for a hostile return to Newcastle United.

Isak will return to St James’ Park tomorrow for the first time since leaving Newcastle for Liverpool in a record-breaking £125 million transfer last summer.

The 26-year-old endured an injury-hit first season at Anfield under former manager Arne Slot, but he has returned to full fitness and featured in every Liverpool pre-season game since coming back this month.

Iraola has been encouraged by what he has seen and believes Isak can finally demonstrate the qualities that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.

Iraola sets Isak target

With pressure expected to greet him on Tyneside, Iraola has made one priority clear: Isak must remain fit.

“It’s a massive season for Alexander. He knows it’s about two things: the first is availability, and without availability we cannot have the second thing, which is performance level.

“This has to be the first aim for us, to keep him in a good place in terms of being available. I’m sure if we manage to do this, he will perform well, because he’s been very good in preseason.”

Isak arrives back at his former club with a point to prove after injuries restricted his impact during his debut campaign on Merseyside.

Before his departure, however, he established himself as one of Newcastle’s most dangerous attackers, scoring 54 goals in 86 appearances for the Magpies.

Liverpool expect goals

Iraola remains convinced that a fit Isak can become a major attacking weapon for Liverpool and is confident the striker’s quality will translate into goals.

“If we keep him at a good level he will score goals and be a threat. I have no doubts about his level.

“He’s quite a unique No.9 in terms of he can come to receive and be technically very clean, but he’s also very good at attacking space.”

The challenge now is for Isak to turn an encouraging pre-season into a sustained campaign when the competitive action begins.

His return to Newcastle is likely to provide an immediate test of his temperament, with the reception from the home support expected to be intense following his controversial departure.

For Liverpool, though, the focus will be on whether their record signing can stay healthy and repay the faith placed in him.

After an interrupted first year, Isak has the opportunity to silence his critics and remind Newcastle exactly why Liverpool were prepared to spend a Premier League-record fee to take him away.