Alexander Isak's summer standoff with Newcastle United is said to be affecting Liverpool as the Swedish striker battles to regain full fitness. His record-breaking move to Anfield dominated headlines during the summer window. Isak downed tools for the Magpies, claiming Eddie Howe's team had made 'broken promises' in a social media statement.

Having skipped pre-season training and the opening matches of the campaign, Liverpool eventually forked out £125million for a player who lacked the fitness to complete 90 minutes at the season's start. Following eight outings for the Reds, Isak was omitted from Liverpool's squad for their encounter with Brentford because of a groin problem.

Chris Sutton, the former Blackburn Rovers striker, believes this stems from the forward's choice to down tools during his final period at Newcastle.

In his BBC Sport column, Sutton wrote: "It feels like what has happened to him is a case of you reap what you sow. Isak has been short of full fitness and especially sharpness all season anyway.

"He did not help himself there by missing training with Newcastle in order to try to force his move to Anfield through.

"He got what he wanted,...