Alexander Isak returns to Liverpool training after a three-week layoff, but manager Arne Slot urges patience ahead of the clash with Manchester City.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Alexander Isak will return to full training on Friday, ahead of this weekend’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City, but urged fans to be patient with the striker’s recovery.
The Swedish international, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in September for a British-record fee of £125 million ($164 million), has been sidelined for three weeks after suffering an injury during the Champions League win in Frankfurt last month.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out,” Slot said during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“I know I said three weeks ago that his pre-season was over, but after three weeks in rehab, you don’t just return to that same level,” the Dutch coach admitted.
Isak, 26, has made only eight appearances since arriving at Anfield and is still searching for his first Premier League goal in Liverpool colours.
“You cannot compare rehab sessions with actual football matches or full team training,” Slot added. “As much as we try to replicate it, it’s simply not the same. So again, I have to say, give him some time.”
Slot also revealed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to return to action immediately after the upcoming international break.
Liverpool and Manchester City face off in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures, with both teams chasing league leaders Arsenal, who currently hold a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side. Champions Liverpool sit just one point behind City after ending a four-match losing streak with last week’s victory over Aston Villa.
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