Liverpool’s resolve has been stretched after Arne Slot delivered a concerning update on the club’s star forward.
Arne Slot has offered a worrying update on Alexander Isak’s recovery, with Liverpool supporters seemingly set for a longer wait before seeing the club’s record signing return to action.
The Sweden international, who arrived at Anfield last summer in a British-record £125m deal, has been out since late December after fracturing his fibula against Tottenham.
With Liverpool preparing to welcome Isak’s former side Newcastle United to Anfield on Saturday, Slot confirmed that the striker is still some distance away from resuming first-team training.
Slot: Isak still a long way off
Addressing the media in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot gave a frank update on the 26-year-old’s condition.
Isak has been wearing a protective walking boot during the early stages of his rehabilitation and, although he has now moved out of it, he is not yet ready to begin work on the pitch.
“No, he is not on the pitch yet,” Slot explained. “He has only just come out of his walker, so that already tells you he won’t be on the pitch today or tomorrow. It will take some time before he’s back, which we were aware of.”
Setback for Liverpool’s momentum
The update is a setback for a Liverpool side still searching for rhythm in 2026. While earlier reports hinted at a possible late-March return, Slot’s comments suggest the club are taking a careful approach, with Isak yet to even step back onto the grass.
Ekitike steps up in Isak’s absence
Fortunately for the Reds, Isak’s absence has been softened by the impressive form of fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike.
The former Frankfurt forward has enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign, scoring 13 goals in all competitions, and he stole the headlines again in midweek with a brilliant solo effort during Liverpool’s 6-0 Champions League rout of Qarabag.
With Isak ruled out of Saturday’s clash against his old club, Ekitike is expected to lead the line once more as Liverpool chase their first Premier League victory of the new year.
