Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak will return to team training on Friday ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated Premier League clash with Manchester City, but urged fans to be patient as the striker regains full fitness.
Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in September for a British-record transfer fee of £125 million ($164 million), has been sidelined since suffering an injury during the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt last month.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out,” Slot told reporters during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended so now it’s time for us to see where he is. But I have to come back to those words, because if you are three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn’t bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago.”
The 26-year-old Swedish international has played only eight games for the Reds since arriving at Anfield on deadline day and is still searching for his first Premier League goal.
Slot admitted that Isak will need time to rebuild sharpness after his spell on the sidelines.
“You cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team,” the Dutch coach said.
“As much as we try to replicate it, that’s simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time.”
The Liverpool boss also provided a positive update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, confirming that the Brazilian is expected to return to action immediately after the international break that follows the fixture against City.
Liverpool and Manchester City have dominated English football over the past decade, but this season both teams are chasing league leaders Arsenal, who sit six points clear of City.
Reigning champions Liverpool are a further point behind after ending a four-match losing streak with a victory over Aston Villa last weekend.
