LIVERPOOL, England — Striker Alexander Isak is set to rejoin team training on Thursday, delivering a significant boost to both Liverpool and Sweden.
Isak is making his return following surgery for a broken ankle and fibula, coinciding with Liverpool’s ambitions for a Champions League spot, while Sweden celebrates its qualification for the World Cup.
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Isak’s injuries occurred during a tackle in the December 20 match against Tottenham, necessitating surgical intervention to repair the damage.
“Having him back in a team that typically creates plenty of chances is invaluable, even if he can’t start immediately,” Liverpool coach Arne Slot shared with club media on Wednesday. “Just having him available for the final two months of the season will be very beneficial for us.”
The 26-year-old Isak joined Liverpool for a British-record transfer fee of £125 million ($170 million) after lengthy negotiations with Newcastle.
Currently, Slot’s side occupies fifth place in the Premier League. The team will face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Saturday, followed by a trip to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Sweden secured its place in this summer’s World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory against Poland in a European playoff final on Tuesday.