Alexander Isak injury update: Arne Slot reveals when Liverpool striker could return

Aleksander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool hasn’t gone according to plan, but the former Newcastle striker could still end the 2025-26 season on a high, according to manager Arne Slot.

Speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League game at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Slot was initially cautious about when Isak might return following an ankle injury and fibula fracture, but offered an approximate timeline.

Isak injury latest: When will the Liverpool striker return?

“Alex has been on the pitch with his running shoes for the first time this week, so it will still be a while,” Slot said. “It’s nice for him to go on the pitch and nice to see him there. You do know you’re in your final stages of rehab. Next step is of course doing work with the ball and then going into the group, and it takes a while before you’re ready to play. It’s nice that rehab has gone well, compliment to him and our medical staff.”

After initially stating “let’s not put a timescale” on Isak’s return, Slot did provide one when pressed, though he added a caution. “It will be somewhere around the international break, depends on if he gets a setback. End of March, start of April when he’s back with the group. Doesn’t mean he’s ready to start playing straight away.”

Isak struggles to live up to huge transfer fee

Isak arrived at Anfield for a reported £125 million, approximately $169 million, the third most expensive transfer of all time. However, his arrival coincided with a slump in Liverpool’s form, with the defending Premier League champions losing four of the first five games Isak featured in.

The 26-year-old scored just two goals in 10 Premier League appearances, three in 16 games in all competitions, before suffering an ankle and fibula fracture in the victory at Tottenham on Dec. 20. He underwent surgery two days later.

Liverpool’s Champions League fight

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League standings, 16 points behind leaders Arsenal. A top-five finish is likely enough to secure Champions League qualification, with fifth-place Chelsea two points ahead. Isak could play a key role in the final weeks of the season.

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