Slot Eyes March Comeback…

Arne Slot has announced that Liverpool striker Alexander Isak may be back to training with the team by next month. He believes there is still a chance to witness the “best Alex” this season.

Isak has been out of action since December due to injuries sustained during Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur, which involved fractures to both his leg and ankle.

The injury has added to a challenging start for the £125 million ($168m) forward following his summer transfer from Newcastle United, but he could still make a significant contribution as Slot’s team aims to finish the season strong.

“This week, Alex has been on the field—not in his football boots, but in running shoes—for the first time, so it’s a good sign that he’ll take time to return,” Slot remarked. “We all know that once players are on the pitch, the recovery time isn’t as lengthy, but the last stages of rehabilitation can alter that timeline.

“In the gym, it’s difficult to push limits, but at this stage, you need to hit each milestone progressively. Let’s avoid setting a strict timeline, but he should be available—if everything goes according to plan—this season.”

When asked if Isak would be back in time for the March international break, Slot stated, “It should be around that time, but there’s always the possibility of setbacks. By late March or early April, he may hopefully be back with the squad.

“However, being back with the team doesn’t mean he’s ready to compete or start a match. He’s been out for quite some time, and in his previous recovery, it took a while for him to become the player we acquired from Newcastle.”

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So far this season, Isak has scored just three goals in 16 appearances for Liverpool, struggling with both form and fitness issues preceding his injury against Spurs.

Reflecting on the upcoming summer, Slot noted how beneficial a full preseason will be for the Sweden international. “That period will be quite different from now. We expect to see a different player from the end of this season compared to the start.

“We must remember to give him time. After such a lengthy individual training phase spanning four or five months, we cannot expect him to immediately return to peak form. Unfortunately for him and the club, we have yet to see his full potential, but we hope that both the fans and the club will get to recognize the best version of Alex this season and certainly in the years to come.”