Liverpool boss Slot says Isak could return in the ‘final phase of rehabilitation’ next month

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said on Thursday he believes striker Alexander Isak is in the «final stages of his rehabilitation» and could return at the end of next month to strengthen the Reds’ push for Champions League qualification.

The British record signing has been sidelined since mid-December when he broke a bone in his lower leg and required ankle surgery after a sliding tackle from Tottenham player Micky van de Ven.

His injury came as 26-year-old Swedish international Isak, who joined Premier League champions Liverpool from top rivals Newcastle for £125 million ($169 million) in September, found his form at Anfield with two goals in six games.

«Alex was on the field for the first time this week, not with his football boots but with his running shoes,» Slot told reporters.

“The next step is working with the ball, which is what every player likes the most, then the next step is getting into the group and then it takes a while before you are ready to play.

«It will be sometime in late March, early April that he will hopefully be back with the group. That doesn’t mean you are ready to play, let alone start a match.»

“But it is nice that the rehabilitation is going well; that is a compliment to him and our medical staff.

I think we all know that the moment you step onto the field doesn’t last three months, but this final phase of rehabilitation can also change that.»

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Isak is one of five Liverpool first-team players currently sidelined, with only Jeremy Frimpong close to a return.

The right back has been out since the end of last month with a hamstring injury, but is expected to be available for a visit to West Ham next weekend.

Liverpool have had a rare week without a game ahead of Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest.

«It’s fun and useful as the players we have, nine out of 10 go to the national team, so for seven, eight, nine months they hardly have any free time,» said Dutch boss Slot, who insisted he himself did not need any rest.

«It was fun, but I didn’t really need it. Last season I felt I needed it more during this period. I enjoy the work I do here.»

After a slow start to their title defense, Liverpool now sit sixth and within three points of the top four with 12 games remaining.

The team will then play against three of the bottom four clubs in the hope of securing a Champions League position.

Premier League leaders Arsenal remained just five points clear of second-placed Manchester City after blowing a two-goal lead in a shock 2-2 draw against bottom Wolves on Wednesday.

However, Slot said: «We didn’t need to know yesterday how difficult it is to win a Premier League game. What has made the Premier League more fun this season than three, four, five, six years ago is that it is more competitive.»

Published on February 19, 2026