Liverpool Receive Major Boost as Alexander Isak Nears Injury Return
Liverpool have been handed a significant lift with the news that record signing Alexander Isak is progressing well in his rehabilitation from a broken leg. Manager Arne Slot has provided an encouraging update, indicating the Swedish striker could be fit to play a part in the culmination of the Reds' season.
Slot Outlines Isak's Recovery Timeline
Arne Slot revealed that Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British record fee of £125 million, has returned to the training pitch for the first time since suffering the injury in December. The forward sustained the broken leg while scoring his third goal for the club in a victory at Tottenham, and has since undergone ankle surgery.
"Alex has been on the pitch, not with his football boots but with his running shoes for the first time this week," Slot stated. "It's nice for him to go on the pitch, it's nice for us to see him here because there is still enough work to be done but you know as a player, you arrive in the final stages of your rehab."
The manager emphasised that while Isak is making positive strides, caution is necessary. "The next step is doing work with the ball, which every player likes most. Then the next step is to come into the group and then it takes a while before you're ready to play," Slot explained. He praised the player and medical staff, noting rehab is going well, but avoided setting a precise timescale.
Target Return Set for Season's Finale
Slot indicated that if all goes according to plan, Isak could be available around the end of March or start of April. This timeline also puts him in a race against time to potentially feature for Sweden in their World Cup play-off against Ukraine on 26 March.
"Let's not put a timescale on it but it is clear that he will be available - if things go as planned - this season," Slot said. However, he tempered expectations by highlighting that returning to training does not equate to immediate match readiness.
"When you are back with the group that is not to say you are ready to play, let alone start a game of football because again he's been out for months," Slot cautioned. He referenced Isak's previous injury layoff after joining from Newcastle, which required an adjustment period.
Context of Isak's Challenging Debut Campaign
Alexander Isak's first season at Liverpool has been marred by fitness issues. The striker arrived from Newcastle without a full pre-season and has since suffered two injuries, including a groin problem prior to the broken leg. To date, he has made only 17 appearances for the club.
Slot acknowledged this disrupted start, stating: "If a player has had four or five months of only individual training, we cannot expect he is up to speed straight away. So unfortunately for him and us, we haven't used the best Alex yet."
Despite the setbacks, the manager expressed optimism for the future. "This club and our fans will hopefully see the best Alex this season but, for sure, in the upcoming years," Slot affirmed. He stressed that the final stages of rehabilitation require careful management, as players must consistently meet incremental targets before full integration.
With Liverpool pushing for success in the latter part of the season, Isak's impending return offers a timely boost, though Slot's measured approach underscores the need for patience in ensuring the striker's long-term fitness and impact.
