“It has been a challenge” – Liverpool star confident on fitness for World Cup

Liverpool star Alexander Isak has insisted that he will be ready for the World Cup after a difficult, injury ridden first season at Anfield.

Fotboll Skanalen report comments from the 26-year-old striker today as he battles to be fit for Sweden at the World Cup.

Injury hit Liverpool debut season

The striker endured a pretty disastrous first season at Liverpool after signing in a €145m deal from Newcastle United last summer.

He was brought in to become the star forward but instead managed just 14 appearances in the Premier League, with 21% of the total minutes played, thanks to injuries.

Having arrived unfit in the summer thanks to not training with Newcastle, he then suffered a broken fibula in December. That ruled him out for 106 days and 24 games for Liverpool and Sweden combined.

Adductor pain and muscular problems have since seen him miss 19 days across May. He’s now in the final stages of his recovery and admits that it’s been difficult.

“It has been a challenge with a lot of rehab,” he said.

“It’s the most boring thing in football. Doing a lot of it is not fun. But there have been positive parts too.

“The March meeting that you got to watch from the TV couch is a big highlight that has made it possible for me to be here and hopefully have a fantastic summer with everyone.”

World Cup focus

The focus now, is on being fit for the start of Sweden’s World Cup campaign. They take on Norway and Greece in friendlies next month, before kicking off the tournament against Tunisia on June 15^th.

Given he hasn’t played since a 23-minute appearance against Chelsea at the beginning of May, that might be a challenge. The Liverpool striker is in confident mood, though.

“Absolutely, I feel good,” he added when asked about the Tunisia game.

“I have had a few injury concerns as you know. The most important thing is that I am in good shape for the World Cup opener. There is a little time left so I can work on that.”

He’s also confident about the friendlies before that. “Absolutely. I think so. I think I will play in both matches. Then it remains to be seen how much,” he concluded.