Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is in the final stages of his rehabilitation and could rejoin the squad by late March, offering a boost for the club’s Champions League push.
LIVERPOOL manager Arne Slot believes striker Alexander Isak is in the “final stages of rehab” and could return by the end of next month.
The club’s British record signing has been out since mid-December with a fractured leg and ankle surgery. Slot confirmed the player has taken his first steps back on the pitch this week.
“Alex has been on the pitch, not with his football boots but with his running shoes for the first time this week,” Slot told reporters.
The next phase will involve ball work before integrating with the squad. Slot cautioned that a return to match fitness would still take time after that point.
“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.”
The 26-year-old Swede was beginning to find form with two goals in six games before his injury. His return would bolster a squad currently missing five first-team players.
Only right-back Jeremie Frimpong is close to a comeback from a hamstring issue. Liverpool have enjoyed a rare free week ahead of their trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Slot said the break was useful for his internationally busy squad. He insisted he did not personally need the rest, enjoying his work at Anfield.
The Reds are sixth in the Premier League, three points off the top four with 12 games remaining. Their upcoming fixtures include matches against three of the bottom four clubs.
Slot dismissed the idea that Arsenal’s surprise 2-2 draw with Wolves on Wednesday highlighted the league’s unpredictability. He said the competitive nature of this season has been evident for some time.
“We didn’t need yesterday to know how difficult it is to win a Premier League game. What has made the Premier League nicer this season than three, four, five, six years ago is it’s more competitive.”
