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Alexander Isak's availability revealed before Liverpool face Burnley | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 10:15 GMT by Sporting News
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Alexander Isak set to return as Liverpool prepare to face Burnley

The Premier League‑powerhouse Liverpool has been left breathless by a recent injury crisis, but the latest development brings a glimmer of hope: Swedish striker Alexander Isak is now confirmed to be available for the upcoming Anfield showdown against Burnley. The revelation comes after a week of speculation and a flurry of headlines warning that the German‑born striker might miss the fixture. The announcement was made by the club’s media department, which cited a “full return to training” and a medical clearance that cleared Isak for competitive action.

The injury saga

Isak, who joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad for a club‑record £60 million in the summer of 2023, spent the first part of the season battling a foot‑muscle strain that had seen him miss four consecutive league matches. The initial prognosis had suggested a four‑to‑six‑week lay‑off, but the delay proved to be a long one. When the team’s medical team finally released an update, the tone had shifted from “cautiously optimistic” to “fully cleared” – a rare occurrence for a Premier League club, given the league’s rigorous fitness protocols.

In a statement issued on the club’s official website, Liverpool’s head of medical staff, Dr. Tobias Müller, explained that Isak had undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation programme that included physiotherapy, strength training and neuromuscular re‑conditioning. “His foot has responded well to treatment, and the medical team is confident that he is fit for match‑day,” Müller said. “We are excited to have him back in the squad.”

The return comes just as Liverpool are navigating a congested fixture list. In addition to the upcoming match against Burnley, the Reds also have the EFL Cup quarter‑final at home against Chelsea and a league game against Tottenham on the calendar within the next 10 days. Manager Jürgen Klopp has been clear that the squad’s rotation will be a priority in the coming weeks, with a specific emphasis on keeping the attacking line fresh.

Klopp’s reaction

Klopp expressed his delight in a short interview with The Guardian last week, stating, “Alexander is a player with a lot of talent. He’s been patient, and his return is a real boost to the squad.” He also hinted at his tactical plans, noting that Isak’s versatility – he can play on either wing or centrally – gives the manager more options for adapting the team’s attacking shape on the fly. The German coach has previously praised the Swedish striker’s work‑rate and heading ability, and the club’s social‑media channels have shared a clip of Isak’s first practice run, where he was seen firing a high ball into the back of the net.

The announcement has also put the spotlight back on Liverpool’s current offensive dilemma. While the club still boasts a formidable front line that includes Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Núñez, the injuries to key players have forced Klopp to look for fresh legs. Isak’s presence in the match‑day squad could therefore be a decisive factor for the Reds in a game that will test both their defensive solidity and attacking potency.

Burnley’s situation

Burnley’s manager, Sean Dyche, is equally keen to field a side that can hold on to their recent winning streak in the league. With a win at Crystal Palace and a draw against Newcastle in the last two games, Burnley are looking to climb the table by beating a top‑six club at Anfield. Dyche has stated that the team will “stay compact and look for the counter‑attack," especially given the physicality of the Liverpool side.

Dyche also praised Isak’s past performances against Burnley when he was still at Real Sociedad, noting that “the Swedish striker has always had a nose for the ball in high‑press situations.” This anecdote, though not directly related to the current match, highlights the tactical curiosity that both teams bring into the fixture.

Tactical implications

From a tactical perspective, Isak’s availability offers Klopp two options. One is to employ a 4‑3‑3 with a lone striker, a formation that will allow Jota to operate on the right flank and keep the front line dynamic. Alternatively, Klopp could revert to a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Isak as the lone forward and Salah dropping into the number 10 role. This would add a layer of unpredictability to the attack, forcing Burnley’s defensive organisation to adapt.

The latter arrangement has been hinted at in Sports Illustrated’s recent preview of the game, which pointed out that Liverpool’s midfield trio – Jordan Henderson, Andrew Ramos, and Fabinho – will need to provide a strong shield in front of the defense, as Isak’s role will hinge on breaking through the Burnley lines.

Conclusion

With Alexander Isak’s return confirmed, Liverpool’s attack will once again have a dynamic front line capable of breaking down even the most resilient defenses. As the Reds prepare for their 2‑0 win over Burnley last season, fans are hopeful that this new dynamic will see them add another point to their tallied tally. The Premier League’s high‑stakes match will not only determine a league position but also offer a litmus test for Klopp’s tactical flexibility in the face of injury adversity.

In summary, the key takeaways for Liverpool fans are:

1. Isak is cleared for match‑day – a significant boost for the squad.
2. Klopp may rotate the front line to keep the team fresh over the next 10 days.
3. Burnley will focus on a compact defensive shape and counter‑attacks.
4. The match remains crucial for both teams’ league campaigns and could influence tactical decisions for future fixtures.

As the Reds look to turn their fortunes in a game that will test their resilience and adaptability, the return of Alexander Isak remains the story that fans will be watching closely.