Slot has no doubts Isak 'will end up being the player he was at Newcastle when fully fit

ARNE SLOT admits he may have to compromise his Liverpool team selection in an attempt to finally get Alexander Isak up and running.

- By IAN DOYLE

But the Reds boss remains convinced the striker will ultimately replicate his devastating Newcastle form at the Premier League champions.

Isak has suffered a difficult opening to his Liverpool career since making a British record £125million move on transfer deadline day in September, scoring just one goal in eight appearances.

‘The 26-year-old is continuing to play catch-up in terms of overall fitness having missed out on a proper preseason after being banished from the Newcastle first-team squad in the summer as he sought a move to Anfield.

Having not featured in the Premier League for more than a month, Isak is pressing for a starting role in today’s visit of Nottingham Forest ahead of fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike, who by contrast has had an impressive start to life with the Reds.

‘And Slot accepts he could be compelled to play Isak ahead of others during upcoming games despite the player not being fully match fit.

“Alex, it will still take a bit of time but he will end up being the player he was at Newcastle if we get him fit, or how he was at Sociedad or all the other clubs he was at - he just needs to become fit,” said the Liverpool boss.