Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Arne Slot opens up on Liverpool ace who isn’t fit to start regularly, like Alexander Isak

Originally posted on HITC | By Freddie Dorman | Last updated Oct 7, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Arne Slot still seems to be figuring out his best XI as the season gets going.

Since his arrival, the Reds have entered their first difficult period, and their performances have fallen short of fan expectations.

There are plenty of factors behind it, but the main one is simply how much has changed at the club in the last transfer window.

A number of senior players have moved on, replaced by new faces eager to make an impact. But so far, they have not hit the ground running at Anfield.

It has not helped that some of the more experienced players around them have not been at their best either. Slot even admitted that one player has not yet been fit enough to start every match.

Alexis Mac Allister still not at full strength

Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

There are problems across the pitch for the Reds, but the most glaring issue has been how often the back line is left exposed, which also raises questions about the midfield’s effectiveness.

Alexis Mac Allister has not had the smoothest start to the season either. The Argentine is still working his way back to full fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

He did start against Chelsea, though his performance fell short again. Slot had already cautioned fans that he was not quite ready for a full run of games yet.

“There’s also a reason why we played many formations, for example, Alexander Isak can’t play every single game, Alexis Mac Allister can’t play every single game.

“I can go on. Dominik Szoboszlai, sometimes he’s your eight, sometimes he’s your 10, sometimes, he’s the full-back,” the Dutchman told Sky Sports.

This highlights just how difficult it has been for Slot to settle on a consistent line-up when so many key players are not available. It helps explain why results have been slow to come together.

Once everyone is fit again, though, there will not be any more excuses. And it is hard not to think Liverpool will find their stride after the international break when they have a fuller squad to choose from.

Alexis Mac Allister has to make the most of the international break

While Mac Allister could use some rest, it is just as important for him to keep getting minutes under his belt, as long as they are managed properly.

During the last international window, he missed Argentina’s first game due to injury, but ended up playing a full 90 minutes in the second. That will not have gone down well back at Liverpool.

This time around, both matches are friendlies, which should reduce the risk of aggravating any issues. Hopefully, that allows him to build up his fitness without any setbacks.

The same goes for a few others in the squad, but Isak and Mac Allister are the ones who need this break most to get themselves back up to speed.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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