Liverpool boss Arne Slot heads into the international break with plenty to ponder after defeat at Chelsea.
The Reds suffered a hammer blow in added time at Stamford Bridge as Brazil star Willian Estevao poked home his first-ever Blues goal to snatch a 2-1 victory for Enzo Maresca's hosts.
As Maresca raced to celebrate with his squad - before the Italian coach was sent off - Slot was left to rue another disjointed Liverpool performance.
A loss in London comes on the back of defeats to Galatasaray and Crystal Palace - as the first time the Dutch coach has lost three games in a row in all competitions in his managerial career - with Arsenal overtaking the defending champions at the top of the Premier League.
Injury concerns for Ibrahmia Konate and Andy Robertson have added to Slot's list of woes alongside another game without a league goal for record signing Alexander Isak.
Isak got off the mark in last month's EFL Cup win over Southampton but he remains goalless in the EPL and Europe so far in 2025/26.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Slot has indicated Liverpool fans will not see 'the best of Isak' until after the break, as the club work with precision to build up his match fitness, and the 26-year-old has played just 181 minutes of league action so far.
Isak indicated he's not feeling any pressure over the situation but admitted the manner of defeat at Chelsea is a concern.
"I think we started off pretty bad and worked our way into the game pretty well. In the second half we gave everything to get the result," as per the Liverpool Echo.
"It's obviously tough conceding in the last minute like that. In the same way winning like this is the best feeling, it’s the worst to lose in this type of way.
"I feel good. I’ve been working hard to get back to my best. I'm still working to get back to my best form but it was good to play.
"I was hoping for a different result but we keep working. I’m very excited for the season ahead."
Isak now heads away to join up with Jon Dahl Tomasson's Sweden squad - where he will play in increased part compared to September's games - ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at home to Switzerland and Kosovo.
Liverpool news and related links
- Virgil van Dijk highlights Liverpool issue as Reds set unwanted UCL record
- Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has his eye on Liverpool flop
- Taylor Swift’s new album lyric leaves Liverpool fans fuming