Isak’s Recovery Progress and Liverpool’s Aspirations

omidbasir- Alexander Isak cost Liverpool a British transfer record of £125 million ($168 million) when he transferred to Anfield from Newcastle in the summer of 2025. Arriving without having participated in a pre-season campaign, the 26-year-old striker faced challenges in achieving optimal fitness.

His situation worsened after sustaining fibula and ankle fractures due to a robust tackle from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, necessitating surgery.

After spending two months on the sidelines, Isak has commenced light training as part of his recovery process. He will be gradually reintroduced to first-team activities, with a focus on avoiding unnecessary risks.

Coach Slot has indicated that a return to the squad could be imminent, stating, “Alex has been on the pitch, albeit not in his football boots but in running shoes, for the first time this week. It will take time to fully reintegrate him, but it’s clear he will be available if everything progresses as planned this season. Ideally, we are hopeful for his return around late March or early April, though this does not guarantee he will be ready to play or start a match.”

He elaborated, “Before players return to the pitch, they do not spend 24 hours a day in bed. They come to the training ground to engage in gym work and rehabilitation. It is encouraging to see him on the pitch, and while there is still work to be done, reaching this stage of his rehabilitation is a positive sign for both him and our medical staff.”

The next phase for Isak involves ball work, which he is eager to engage in. This will precede his full integration into team activities, after which it may take some additional time before he is match-ready. Despite only scoring three goals in 16 appearances before his injury, Liverpool remains optimistic about Isak’s potential once he regains his full form.

When asked about the need for additional support for proven Premier League players like Isak, Slot remarked, “It has been a challenging period for him. Joining a new club typically brings excitement, but showing one’s qualities right away has proven difficult due to his injury. The demands of this league require players to be at their peak to influence matches. It was clear that Isak would need time to reach that level, especially given the lack of pre-season training.”

Isak’s anticipated return comes at a crucial time for Liverpool as they strive for success in the FA Cup and Champions League, while also aiming for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The team will resume Premier League action on Sunday with a match against Nottingham Forest.