Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a major fitness update on record signing Alexander Isak, confirming the striker is in the “final stages of rehab” and could rejoin the squad by the end of March or early April.
The £125 million forward has been sidelined since mid-December after suffering a fractured bone in his lower leg. The injury required ankle surgery following a heavy sliding tackle from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Isak’s absence came at a frustrating time for Liverpool. The 26-year-old Sweden international had begun finding rhythm at Anfield, scoring twice in six appearances after completing his high-profile move from Newcastle United in September.
Slot: “Rehab is Going Well”
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash, Slot confirmed the striker has resumed outdoor training — albeit without football boots.
“Alex has been on the pitch, not with his football boots but with his running shoes for the first time this week,” Slot said.
“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.
“It will be some time around there, end of March, start of April, where he is hopefully back with the group. That is not to say you are ready to play, let alone start a game.
“But it’s nice that rehab goes well; that’s a compliment to him and our medical staff.”
The Dutch tactician cautioned that the final phase of rehabilitation remains delicate, noting that while progress is encouraging, setbacks can still occur at this stage.
Liverpool Injury List Shrinking
Isak is among five first-team players currently sidelined, though right-back Jeremie Frimpong is close to a comeback after recovering from a hamstring injury. He is expected to be available for next weekend’s visit of West Ham.
Liverpool travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday following a rare full week without a match — a welcome break in a packed campaign.
“It is nice and useful,” Slot said. “Nine out of 10 go to the national team so for seven, eight, nine months they hardly have time off.”
Despite the schedule congestion, Slot insisted he personally did not need the rest.
Champions League Qualification Race Heats Up
Liverpool’s title defence began slowly, but momentum is building. The Reds now sit sixth in the Premier League, just three points off the top four with 12 matches remaining.
A crucial run awaits, with three fixtures against teams currently in the bottom four — a golden opportunity to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.
Elsewhere, league leaders Arsenal saw their advantage trimmed to five points after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against Wolves, allowing Manchester City to close the gap.
Slot, however, dismissed any notion of surprise.
“We didn’t need yesterday to know how difficult it is to win a Premier League game,” he said. “What has made the Premier League nicer this season than three, four, five, six years ago is it’s more competitive.”
With Isak nearing a return and the top-four battle tightening, Liverpool’s season could be about to enter its defining stretch.
