Liverpool head into their weekend trip to Turf Moor with a fresh injury worry and a big question over their record signing.
The Reds have enjoyed a perfect start to the season under Arne Slot, winning three from three, but the manager confirmed a midfield blow in his pre-match press conference.
Curtis Jones picked up a problem in the win against Arsenal and will not travel to Burnley.
It’s another setback in midfield at a time when Liverpool need numbers with fixtures piling up. The loss of Jones may not be long-term, but it comes at a frustrating moment for Slot’s squad rotation.
Meanwhile, fans are eager to see Alexander Isak make his first real impact in a red shirt. The £125 million arrival from Newcastle is training, but questions remain over how soon he can handle full matches.
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What Arne Slot said?
Speaking to reporters, Slot confirmed: “Curtis Jones, of course, I don’t know if you knew, but he got injured in the last game, so he will not be available for the game against Burnley.”
The Dutchman then addressed Isak’s situation with some caution. “Don’t expect him every single game 90 minutes on the pitch – that’s definitely not going to happen in the upcoming weeks,” Slot explained.
“He missed a proper pre-season, I think he missed three or four months of team sessions, so now we have to build him up gradually.”
Slot also praised Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson for not overusing Isak during the international break, adding: “He deserves a big compliment for that and we will treat Alex the same.”
Waiting game for Reds fans
Liverpool fans may need patience before seeing Isak at full throttle. The striker could make his debut against Burnley, but Slot stressed it will be a slow build to protect his long-term fitness.
With Champions League action and a Merseyside derby looming, the Reds will hope the wait pays off.
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