Arne Slot confirms why Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was hooked off at half-time

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was replaced at the halfway mark during the Reds’ emphatic win in Germany and Arne Slot has provided an update on his striker’s condition

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has revealed that Alexander Isak was replaced due to a groin injury. The Swedish forward was replaced at half-time by Federico Chiesa as the Reds hammered Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1.

It marked another frustrating game for Isak, who was on the periphery during the opening 45 minutes of Liverpool’s victory. The former Newcastle star failed to look a threat as Slot watched five of his players get on the scoresheet.

Isak’s striking partner Hugo Ekitike scored the opening goal, continuing to look impressive in Liverpool colours. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate scored a header each, before Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai found the net to stop Liverpool’s winless run.

Isak has scored a single goal since making his British record transfer to Anfield and has yet to look at his best after enduring a disrupted pre-season. The forward has only scored against Southampton in the Carabao Cup and has failed to find the net in the Champions League and Premier League.

Slot expressed his frustration over Isak’s latest setback, with Isak struggling to find fluency for the Reds. The Dutchman added it was difficult to find a balance for the forward.

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Slot explained following the game: “He had to go off the pitch because he felt his groin a little bit, which is a pity.

“I’ve said many times it is such a difficult balance tto find with a player that missed three months. You go slowly with him and people argue about playing him longer.

“We’ve now played him for the second time in three days and unfortunately he had to go off. Let’s hope for the best but it is not an easy balance to find when a player has been out for so long.”

Ekitike believes there is more to come from his combination with Isak, however. “I think it was good,” he said.

“It wasn’t the best half together but we can improve together, he is a very good player. The links will come.”

The French forward also discussed his strong start at Anfield, having scored six goals this season. “I feel good, I have very good team-mates,” he said.

“I love my life. I just hope I am going to keep going. I am calm and I’m just going to keep doing my thing.”

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