Alexander Isak should return from injury for Liverpool in April, says Arne Slot
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Alexander Isak Poised for Liverpool Return in April, Arne Slot Reveals
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a positive update on striker Alexander Isak's recovery from a serious ankle injury and fibula fracture, targeting a return to team training in late March or early April[1][2][3][4][5].
Isak, Liverpool's record £125 million ($169 million) signing from Newcastle United in the summer of 2025, has endured a challenging debut season. The 26-year-old Swedish forward managed just two goals in 10 Premier League appearances and three across 16 games in all competitions before his injury in December. The setback occurred while scoring in a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on December 20, followed by surgery two days later[1][3][4][5].
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, Slot noted a key milestone: "Alex has been on the pitch with his running shoes for the first time this week," signaling the final rehab stages. He cautioned, however, that ball work, group integration, and match readiness will take time. "It will be somewhere around the international break... end of March, start of April when he’s back with the group. Doesn’t mean he’s ready to start playing straight away," Slot said, emphasizing no setbacks are expected but final phases remain unpredictable[1][2][3][4][5].
Despite the slow start coinciding with Liverpool's form dip—losing four of Isak's first five league games—Slot remains optimistic. He anticipates seeing the "best Alex" this season, potentially impacting the run-in, including a home game against Fulham on April 11 post-internationals. Isak joins other absentees like Wataru Endo and Conor Bradley for Forest, but his progress offers hope for the defending champions[2][3][4].
Slot praised Isak's rehab efforts and the medical team's work, noting the striker's desperation to rediscover form after injury halted a budding resurgence[1][3][5]. Liverpool fans eagerly await his contribution in the 2025-26 campaign's finale.
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