Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak is in the final stages of rehabilitation and could return by late March or early April. The striker’s comeback would provide a timely boost as Liverpool push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an encouraging update on Alexander Isak’s recovery, revealing that the Swedish striker is in the “final stages of rehab” and could return to the squad by the end of March or early April. The news comes at a crucial stage of the season as Liverpool continue their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.
Isak, who became the British record signing when he joined Liverpool for £125 million from Newcastle in September, has been sidelined since mid-December. The 26-year-old suffered a fracture in his lower leg during a sliding challenge and subsequently required ankle surgery. His absence was a significant setback for the Reds, particularly as he had begun to find rhythm at Anfield after a steady start to his Liverpool career.
Before the injury, the Sweden international had scored two goals in six appearances and was showing promising signs of adapting to his new team. His pace, movement, and technical ability were starting to add a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack, making his injury even more unfortunate for both player and club.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Slot shared positive news about Isak’s progress.
“Alex has been on the pitch for the first time this week,” Slot explained. “He wasn’t wearing football boots yet, but he was in running shoes, which is an important step forward. The next stage is to start working with the ball, which is always the most enjoyable part for any player. After that, he will gradually return to training with the group.”
However, Slot was careful to manage expectations, noting that returning to team training does not immediately mean a player is ready for competitive action.
“It will probably be around the end of March or the start of April when he is back with the squad,” Slot said. “But that doesn’t mean he will be ready to play straight away, let alone start a game. These final stages of rehab can sometimes be unpredictable.”
The Liverpool boss praised both Isak’s commitment and the club’s medical team for ensuring the rehabilitation process has gone smoothly so far.
“It’s very positive that everything is progressing well. That’s a compliment to Alex and also to our medical staff. But we know that when you return to the pitch, the final steps are crucial and must be handled carefully.”
Isak is currently one of five Liverpool first-team players unavailable due to injury. The team’s right-back has also been sidelined since late January with a hamstring issue, although he is expected to return in time for next weekend’s fixture against West Ham.
Liverpool have benefited from a rare break in their schedule ahead of Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest. Slot described the pause as valuable, especially given the physical demands placed on modern players who regularly represent their national teams.
“Nine out of ten of our players go away on international duty,” Slot said. “For seven, eight, or nine months of the year, they hardly get any real rest. So having this week without a match has been useful.”
The Dutch coach, however, insisted he personally did not feel in need of a break.
“Last season, at this point in the campaign, I felt I needed a rest more than I do now. I am enjoying the work here and the challenge of competing in this league.”
After a slow start to their title defence, Liverpool have worked their way up to sixth place in the Premier League table. With 12 matches remaining, they are just three points behind the top four, keeping their Champions League hopes very much alive. Their upcoming schedule could play in their favor, as they face three of the bottom four teams in the coming weeks.
Elsewhere in the league, Arsenal remain at the top of the table but saw their lead reduced to five points after a surprising 2-2 draw away to Wolves. Manchester City, currently in second place, have capitalized on Arsenal’s slip.
Despite the shifting dynamics at the top, Slot emphasized that every Premier League match presents a challenge.
“We didn’t need yesterday’s result to remind us how difficult it is to win a Premier League game,” he said. “What has made this season even more exciting than previous years is how competitive it has become. Every team can cause problems.”
As Liverpool enter the final stretch of the campaign, the potential return of Isak could prove decisive. His presence would not only strengthen the attacking options but also provide renewed energy as the Reds battle for a coveted place in next season’s Champions League.
