Alexander Isak's fitness is a major concern for Liverpool ahead of a decisive run of fixtures after the forward withdrew from Sweden's international squad with a minor thigh injury. The 26-year-old, who has started all five of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season, scored the winner in the 1-0 victory at Bournemouth on September 20 before pulling out of national team duty over the weekend.

Isak has been Liverpool's primary attacking threat, scoring four of the team's seven league goals this term. He has already surpassed his Premier League tally from last season and his partnership with Cody Gakpo has been central to the team's early form, with the pair combining for five of those seven goals. Gakpo himself is also a doubt after sustaining an ankle problem while playing for the Netherlands, adding to the club's injury worries.

Demanding October schedule

Liverpool face a punishing schedule of nine matches in 29 days upon the resumption of club football. It begins with the most significant test: a home clash against Premier League leaders Manchester City on October 11. The Reds currently sit sixth in the table with nine points from five games, six points behind their upcoming opponents. Manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged the challenge, telling reporters, "I think we are playing against top-four teams and then in between Champions [League] and then in between Chelsea in the Carabao [Cup] and everything in two, three days. So we have to get ready, because this next month, after this break, it's going be very demanding for us."

The importance of Isak's potential availability is magnified by the fixture list and his current form. His four goals have been vital in a mixed start that has seen Liverpool win two, draw three, and lose none of their opening league games.

Impact of potential absences

Former manager Graham Potter recently highlighted Isak's unique qualities, stating, "Clearly there's not another Alexander Isak, that's obvious." Iraola echoed the sentiment regarding the striker's output, saying, "With Alex, if he's fit, if he's available, if he's in good shape, I think he will produce the numbers." The club has not provided a timeline for Isak's return, leaving his status for the City match uncertain.

Liverpool will be keen to avoid a repeat of their last meeting with Pep Guardiola's side, a 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in April. A positive result at Anfield could provide a major boost in the early title race. The full extent of the squad's fitness will become clearer in the coming days, with fans able to monitor updates on our injuries hub. The focus now shifts entirely to preparation for the visit of the champions in eleven days' time.

First reported at ESPN Soccer