Slot: We are bringing Isak back gradually, we didn't bring him in for two weeks, but for six years

Liverpool manager Arne Slott has said that fans should not expect Alexander Isak to play full matches in the coming weeks, as the Swedish striker is returning to competitive rhythm after a long break.

Isak last played a full match on May 25 in the Premier League, after which he trained separately and refused to play for Newcastle again in order to secure a transfer. He spent just twenty minutes on the pitch for Sweden on Monday.

Liverpool brought in the Swedish international on the final day of the summer transfer window for 144 million euros, excluding bonuses, and Slot emphasizes that the club does not want to risk injury.

"Don't expect him to play 90 minutes in every match. That certainly won't be the case in the coming weeks. He missed preparations and three, four months of team training. We have to bring him back gradually," the coach said.

Slot thanked Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for his careful use of the striker.

"He had two very important games, but he understood that otherwise we would risk Isak's injury and a longer break," the Dutchman pointed out.

"We didn't bring him in for two weeks, we brought him in for six years. The fans have to keep that in mind if I take him out of the game or if he only gets a few minutes. We're doing everything for his long-term health," Slot added.

Liverpool are top of the Premier League table after three wins in their opening three games. They travel to Burnley on Sunday, before facing two games at Anfield, against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Everton in the Championship.