Alexander Isak's arrival at Liverpool with a British record £125 million price tag generated considerable excitement, but his journey to peak performance has been hampered by persistent fitness issues. The Swedish striker's struggles extend beyond mere physical setbacks; they encompass a complex interplay of factors that impact his ability to consistently perform at his best.

One major aspect that often goes unnoticed is the disrupted pre-season. Isak's push for a move from Newcastle United meant he missed a significant portion of pre-season training, leaving him behind in terms of fitness upon arrival at Anfield. This lack of preparation forced Liverpool manager Arne Slot to ease Isak into the team, managing his minutes carefully to avoid further injury.

Groin injuries have been a recurring theme in Isak's career, and this issue has resurfaced at Liverpool. He sustained a groin injury during Liverpool's 5-1 Champions League win against Eintracht Frankfurt, which has kept him sidelined. These injuries not only interrupt his playing time but also affect his sharpness and ability to build momentum. The club's medical staff is focused on managing this recurring issue to ensure Isak can maintain full fitness.

Isak himself has acknowledged the frustrations of his disrupted season. After playing as a substitute in Sweden's 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, he admitted that it hasn't been an optimal start to his Liverpool career. Despite these challenges, Isak remains positive and determined to overcome the setbacks, drawing on his experience to navigate the difficulties of injuries and regain his form.

His limited playing time also contributes to the challenge. Since joining Liverpool on September 1, Isak has missed a significant number of games. In his appearances, he has averaged around 49 minutes per game, scoring only once. This lack of consistent playing time makes it difficult for him to reach peak match fitness and build the necessary rhythm to showcase his full potential.

Another factor influencing Isak's performances is adapting to a new team and system. While he possesses a diverse skill set, including finishing, dribbling, and the ability to play in tight spaces, integrating into Liverpool's tactical setup takes time. Slot needs to find the best way to utilize Isak's strengths within the team's structure, and this process requires patience and consistent opportunities for Isak to play alongside his teammates.

Despite the challenges, there are glimpses of what Isak can bring to Liverpool. His technical ability, combined with his physical attributes, makes him a threat in various attacking roles. He can hold up the ball, make runs behind the defense, and contribute to build-up play. The key is to unlock these qualities consistently, which requires a sustained run of games and freedom from injury.

For now, Liverpool will need to manage Isak carefully, balancing his need for game time with the risk of further injury. With Hugo Ekitike also in good form, Slot has options in the forward line, allowing him to ease Isak back into action gradually. The focus will be on building his fitness, integrating him into the team's tactics, and providing him with the support he needs to regain his confidence and sharpness.

Ultimately, what you aren’t seeing in Isak’s quest to get back to his best is the complex, multifaceted challenge of returning from injury, adapting to a new club, and regaining peak condition after a disrupted pre-season. It's a process that demands patience, careful management, and a collective effort from both the player and the club to unlock his full potential.