Arne Slot Reveals Alexander Isak's Potential Return Timeline for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided a positive update on striker Alexander Isak's recovery from a serious injury, indicating the Sweden international could rejoin team training by late March or early April[1][2][4]. Isak, Liverpool's record £125 million signing from Newcastle United last summer, has been sidelined since December after suffering a broken leg and ankle during a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored before the injury[1][4].

Slot shared the latest during his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference, noting Isak stepped onto the pitch for the first time this week—wearing running shoes, not football boots—as part of his rehabilitation[1][4]. "Alex has been on the pitch... for the first time this week, so that will take a while as well," Slot explained, emphasizing the final rehab stages remain unpredictable[1]. He targeted a return "somewhere around" the March international break, potentially end of March or start of April, barring setbacks[1][2][4].

Despite limited impact so far—three goals and one assist in 16 appearances (781 minutes)—Slot remains optimistic. "We expect a different player from the end of the season to the one we had in the first part," he said, highlighting the benefits of time and a full preseason ahead[1][2][4]. Reporter Paul Joyce echoed this, stating Isak is targeting end of next month to rejoin the group, keeping him available for the season run-in[2].

Slot stressed the phased process: pitch work without a ball first, then ball drills, group integration, and finally match fitness[2]. Photos of Isak's rehab were recently published on Liverpoolfc.com, showing progress[4]. This timeline offers hope for Liverpool's title push, allowing fans to potentially see the "best Alex" before the campaign ends[1][3].

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