Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak has returned to first-team training after recovering from a broken fibula.
Isak joined the Premier League champions from Newcastle United on summer transfer deadline day, in a British-record fee of about £125 million.
However, he has failed to justify that price tag after suffering with fitness issues earlier on in the season, before suffering a broken fibula and ankle in Liverpool’s win over Tottenham Hotspur last December.
The 26-year-old required surgery to correct the injury and has been sidelined for more than three months in a major blow for the Reds.
However, in a major boost, Slot has confirmed the return of Isak to team training and will join his teammates for the first time since the injury.
“To have him again in a team that’s usually generating quite a lot chances — and maybe not immediately from the first moment that he can start — but to have him back for the last two months is, I think, very helpful for us”, Slot said.
Isak scored only three times from 16 appearances across all competitions before his injury, including a goal in the win against Tottenham before he was injured by Micky van de Ven.
The Swedish forward will be looking to return to action as soon as possible and hit top form ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Sweden edged Poland 3-2 in the playoffs on Tuesday night to book their place in the 48-team World Cup and will be hopeful of getting Isak back on form before the tournament kicks off in June.
“Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup yesterday evening and apart from that he’s going to train with the group again for the first time tomorrow”, Slot added.
Liverpool return to action this weekend, when they face Manchester City, fresh off their EFL Cup triumph over Arsenal, in the FA Cup last eight.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
