Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is set to return to full training on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash against Manchester City. However, manager Arne Slot has urged fans to be patient with the Swedish forward as he works his way back to full fitness.
Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle in September for a British-record fee of £125 million ($164 million), has been sidelined since he was substituted at halftime during the club’s Champions League victory over Frankfurt last month. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed the striker’s return but cautioned that he is not yet back to peak condition.
“He’s joining team training today after being out for three weeks,” Slot said. “I know I mentioned earlier that his pre-season was over, but after three weeks of rehab, he’s not at the same level as before. It takes time to regain match sharpness.”
The 26-year-old has featured in only eight matches since arriving at Anfield on transfer deadline day and is still searching for his first Premier League goal. Slot emphasized that fitness gained through rehabilitation cannot match the intensity of real matches, insisting Isak will need time to rediscover rhythm and confidence.
The Liverpool boss also provided an update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, revealing that the Brazilian is expected to return immediately after the upcoming international break. As Liverpool prepare to face City, both sides are chasing league leaders Arsenal, who hold a six-point advantage over Pep Guardiola’s team. Liverpool, meanwhile, sit just a point further behind after ending a four-game losing streak with a recent win over Aston Villa.