Alexander Isak reported to training for the first time as a Liverpool player on Wednesday, arriving at the AXA Training Centre after representing Sweden.
Isak had to wait until deadline day to see his move to Anfield confirmed, with Liverpool setting a new British transfer record in a £125 million deal.
The new No. 9 got his first taste of being a Liverpool player when undertaking his medical, meeting a few new teammates, including Jeremie Frimpong, before jetting off to represent Sweden.
He played his first minutes since the final day of last season against Kosovo on Monday, coming off the bench for the final 18 minutes in a positive step towards full fitness.
On Wednesday, he reported to the AXA Training Centre for his official act as a Liverpool player as the first wave of international players return ahead of Sunday’s trip to Burnley.
• READ: Jeremie Frimpong back in Liverpool training
The club’s cameras captured the Swede arriving at the training ground and greeting physical performance coach Ruben Peeters, who will be key in getting Isak back to full match sharpness.
Stefan Bajcetic, Federico Chiesa, Frimpong, Joe Gomez and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman were also pictured taking part in Wednesday’s training session.
The full contingent of senior players are not expected until Thursday.
The majority of Liverpool’s squad played on the continent, but Alisson, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo travelled to either South America or the United States and played on early Wednesday morning (UK time).
Thankfully, there were no injuries to report for Liverpool ahead of a busy schedule of seven games in 21 days.
When could Alexander Isak make his Liverpool debut?
• READ: Leoni debut plan could align with Isak’s first start
Isak is free to play against Burnley on Sunday, but even he admitted during his first interview with the club that while that is the aim, he knows he has some catching up to do.
“I’ve had a tricky summer where I haven’t played any games and I’ve had restricted training, so I think that’s one to judge and to analyse where I am at and how much I am ready to give,” he said.
His time with Sweden will have been beneficial, a rare occurrence where international breaks are concerned, but having trained on his own since mid-July, caution will be at play.
Liverpool’s fitness and medical department will devise a plan alongside Arne Slot, though Isak’s debut will inevitably come off the bench as he builds himself back towards a place in the XI.
The Reds have a game every midweek and weekend until the October international break, meaning there is no shortage of opportunity for the striker to play his part.