Alexander Isak Will Prove Wayne Rooney Wrong as Massive Liverpool Boost Edges Closer

Liverpool fans have been handed a major boost with an encouraging injury update on record signing Alexander Isak, who is targeting a return in late March or early April, head coach Arne Slot has confirmed. Despite early doubters like Wayne Rooney questioning the £125 million Swedish striker's impact after a slow start at Anfield, Isak's recovery timeline positions him to silence critics and bolster the Reds' title push.[1][2][3]

Isak, Liverpool's most expensive signing ever from Newcastle in summer 2025, endured a disrupted debut season. Missing pre-season, he managed just three goals and one assist in 15 appearances before a horrific injury in the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on December 20. A tackle from Micky van de Ven caused fractures to his fibula and ankle, requiring surgery two days later. Absent since, the 26-year-old has yet to play in 2026.[1][2][4][5]

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Nottingham Forest, Slot revealed Isak's progress: "Alex has been on the pitch, not with his football shoes but with his running shoes for the first time this week." This milestone signals the final rehab stages—next come ball work and group training—but Slot tempered expectations: "It will still take a while before he's ready to play." He pinpointed end of March or early April for rejoining the squad, around the international break, assuming no setbacks.[1][3][4]

The timing is ideal for Liverpool, currently sixth in the Premier League, 16 points behind leaders Arsenal but chasing Champions League spots with Chelsea just two points ahead in fifth. Isak could feature in crucial run-in games post-Fulham on April 11, proving Rooney's skepticism wrong and delivering the "best Alex" as Slot anticipates, especially with a full pre-season ahead.[3][5]

Slot praised the medical team's work and Isak's dedication, noting rehab's challenges: gym sessions build steadily, but pitch work demands caution. Fans eagerly await the striker's return to ignite Liverpool's season end.[2][4]

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