Alexander Isak returns to grass as Liverpool set injury comeback date
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed striker Alexander Isak has returned to light training and is targeting a comeback in late March following a broken leg.
The club’s record signing has been sidelined since December after suffering the fracture during a difficult debut campaign at Anfield.
Slot revealed on Thursday that the forward has taken a significant step in his rehabilitation by running outside.
However, the Reds boss warned that a return to competitive action is not imminent.
“Alex has been on the pitch with his running shoes for the first time this week so it will still be a while,” Slot said.
The medical team has pencilled in the upcoming international break as a potential milestone for his reintegration.
“It will be somewhere around the international break, depends on if he gets a setback. End of March, start of April when he’s back with the group. Doesn’t mean he’s ready to start playing straight away.”
‘We haven’t seen the best Alex’
Isak has endured a challenging start to life on Merseyside following his £125m move from Newcastle United.
The Sweden international has scored just three Premier League goals in 20 appearances for his new club.
His integration was initially hampered by fitness issues after he went on strike to force his exit from St James’ Park last summer.
Despite these struggles, Slot remains convinced the striker will justify his British transfer record price tag once fully fit.
“It will give us a different player to we had now but we’re expecting a different player at the end of this season compared to what he has done up to now,” Slot admitted.
“Unfortunately for him and us we haven’t seen the best Alex. We will next season.”
Rehabilitation steps up
The 25-year-old is now entering the critical final phase of his recovery programme.
Slot indicated that while Isak is no longer confined to the gym, ball work is the requisite next step before he can rejoin team drills.
“You do know you’re in your final stages of rehab. Next step is of course doing work with the ball and then going into the group and it takes a while before you’re ready to play.”
The Liverpool manager also praised the club’s medical department for navigating the complex injury without setbacks so far.
“It’s nice that rehab has gone well, compliment to him and our medical staff. Let’s not put a timescale on it but it’s clear he will be available if things go as planned this season.”