Alexander Isak has been named in Liverpool's 21-man travelling squad for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, marking his return after a 15-week injury layoff. The Sweden international has been sidelined since December with a fractured leg sustained against Tottenham.
Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle in a British record £125 million deal last summer, had managed only three goals in 16 appearances before his injury. His return provides a significant boost for manager Arne Slot, though the forward is expected to be eased back into action.
Speaking after Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, Slot explained the decision not to include Isak on the bench. 'I was hoping the same, but you always do these things in co-operation with medical staff, performance staff and the player himself,' he said. 'We came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions than only one or two and then immediately jump into a game like this.'
The Reds remain without goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is hoping to return at the end of the month, while Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are ruled out with long-term injuries. Slot is expected to provide a fuller update at his pre-match press conference in Paris.
Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League with seven games remaining and, after their FA Cup exit, the Champions League represents their only chance of silverware this season. Following Wednesday's encounter, they host Fulham at Anfield before the return leg against PSG a week later.
