In order to support the Reds’ pursuit of Champions League qualifying, Liverpool manager Arne Slot stated on Thursday that he thinks striker Alexander Isak is in the “final stages of rehab” and might make a comeback by the end of next month.
After being sidelined since mid-December due to a slide tackle by Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, the British record signing had ankle surgery after breaking a bone in his lower leg.
Isak, a 26-year-old Sweden international, was injured just as he was getting comfortable at Anfield after scoring two goals in six games after joining Premier League winners Liverpool for £125 million ($169 million) from top-flight rivals Newcastle in September.
For the first time this week, Alex has been on the field using his running shoes instead of his football boots, Slot informed reporters.
“Working with the ball is the next step, which every player enjoys the most. After that, you have to join the group, and it takes some time until you’re ready to play.
It is anticipated that he will return to the group sometime in late March or early April. This does not imply that you are prepared to begin a game, much less play.
However, it’s good that rehabilitation is going well; that speaks well of him and our medical team.
“I think we all know that it doesn’t take three months once you step onto the field, but these last stages of rehabilitation can also change that.”
With only Jeremie Frimpong nearing a comeback, Isak is one of five Liverpool first-team players now out.
A hamstring issue has kept the right-back out since the end of last month, but he should be fit for West Ham’s visit next weekend.
Rest that is useful
Prior to their trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Liverpool has had an unusual week without a game.
Dutch manager Slot claimed he didn’t need a break, saying, “It is nice and useful as the players we are having, nine out of ten go to the national team so for seven, eight, or nine months they hardly have a time off.”
“I didn’t really need it, but it was nice.” I felt like I needed it more during this time last season. I’m having fun working here.
With twelve games remaining, Liverpool is now in sixth place and within three points of the top four following a sluggish start to their title defense.
In an attempt to move up into the Champions League, they will then play three of the bottom four teams.
Premier League leaders Arsenal blew a two-goal lead in a shocking 2-2 draw away to rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday, leaving them just five points ahead of second-place Manchester City.
“We didn’t need yesterday to know how difficult it is to win a Premier League game,” Slot asserted. The Premier League is more competitive this season than it was three, four, five, or six years ago, which is what has made it pleasant.
