Liverpool latest: Mo Salah transfer admission repeated amid Alexander Isak debut update

Liverpool's 2025/26 season has begun with a familiar mix of grit and glamour under Arne Slot - though not everything at Anfield is picture-perfect. The Reds currently lead the Premier League table after four consecutive victories, but their strong start has owed more to resilience than outright dominance.

Even with a flawless record, Liverpool's displays have often looked sluggish, and late goals have rescued them in each of their matches so far. Defensive weaknesses are still evident, and the team has yet to deliver a statement performance. Their summer transfer window was dramatic, with over £450million invested in fresh signings. While the new arrivals have shown flashes of quality, the side has sometimes appeared incohesive, still working to establish rhythm as fixtures come thick and fast. With several early hurdles to address, here's the latest from the red side of Merseyside, courtesy of Express Football.

Salah transfer admission repeated

Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker has openly acknowledged that the squad is feeling the absence of departed stars Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, echoing previous remarks from Mohamed Salah about the challenges of bedding in recruits.

After Sunday's tight win over Burnley, Alisson underlined the influence the duo once had, admitted: "All the players who left were important. Lucho [Diaz], Darwin, they all made a difference for us with goals or their playing, fighting, defending. They had good energy, and we miss them."

Salah, who converted a stoppage-time penalty to clinch the 1-0 result, emphasised that patience is required as the new players adjust to the existing setup. The Egyptian attacker reflected on the hurdles of building chemistry: "The players are adapting to our system," he said.

"We had a few new players in the starting line-up. It takes time to adapt their game to our game." He singled out Isak's recent signing, saying: "Alex [Isak] also came last week and he's going to be in the team. We try to find the balance."

This aligns with wider questions about chemistry in attack, with Salah earlier noting difficulties developing combinations with additions like Hugo Ekitike: "So far, I didn't figure the connections out yet... I know where to find them. I knew their game very well, but with Hugo, he's still new," he admitted last month.

Although Ekitike has shown promise early doors, repeated pleas for patience from Liverpool's talismen suggest true cohesion may take weeks-or even months-given the demanding schedule.

Isak debut update

Alexander Isak's £125m move from Newcastle has generated major buzz on Merseyside, but supporters have had to wait to see him in action as the striker missed the trip to Burnley. In order to secure his transfer to Anfield, Isak skipped Newcastle's pre-season and early league fixtures, leaving him short of sharpness.

He is, however, tipped to feature against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, having returned to full training on Tuesday. Boss Arne Slot also confirmed the Swede is edging toward readiness, hinting a 45-minute cameo could be possible this week.

"Alex is far from ready for a schedule for three games in a week for 90 minutes," Slot explained after the Burnley clash. "We could have used him today for five or 10 minutes and again on Wednesday, but we don't believe that's the way to build him up.

"Now we will be able either Wednesday or Saturday to play 45 as a minimum or maybe a bit more. But if he plays 45 on Wednesday don't expect him to play 45 or more on Saturday because his body is not prepared for that in our opinion."

Fans are eager to see his firepower boost an already threatening frontline, especially after his 27 goals for Newcastle last season. While Slot is right to be cautious, it won't be long before the forward is fully integrated - and fully unleashed.

Unhappy Liverpool star responds to setback

Federico Chiesa has endured a rollercoaster beginning to life this season with Liverpool. He netted a late winner on the opening day against Bournemouth, only to then be omitted from the Champions League squad.

However, the Italian winger, who barely featured last campaign, reacted with quiet determination rather than frustration. Slot admitted the call to exclude him was "difficult" and acknowledged that Chiesa "wasn't happy" about the decision.

Nevertheless, Slot highlighted Chiesa's dedication in training, praising his response: "His response has been to prove himself on the pitch... He's been working really hard."

His effort was clear during the club's video last week, where supporters applauded his mentality in the comments. One wrote: "I just love Chiesa's attitude and his work rate, of course," while another added: "Chiesa, I've got a soft spot for that guy. I love his attitude."

A third hoped his professionalism would soon earn him more opportunities: "I hope that Chiesa gets more game time than he did last season. His attitude and passion and love for being a Liverpool player is outstanding. He is a perfect example of what every club needs."