Liverpool handed major Isak boost as £125m signing returns for PSG showdown

Liverpool take on French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter finals of the Champions League later this week with boss Arne Slot able to welcome back a high-profile name

Alexander Isak has been named in Liverpool's 21-man travelling squad to face Paris Saint-Germain as he closes in on his long-awaited return.

Isak has been out of action since December after fracturing his leg against Tottenham. The Swede has been slowly stepping up his recovery over recent weeks and is now back in contention for the Reds and will make the trip to the French capital.

Liverpool take on PSG in the Champions League quarter finals on Wednesday evening. Giving an update on Isak following the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, Arne Slot revealed he had his fingers crossed that the forward would return soon.

He said: “I was hoping the same [that Isak would be among the substitutes on Saturday], but you always do these things in co-operation with medical staff, performance staff and the player himself.

“We came to the conclusion that it was better for him to have a few more sessions than only one or two and then immediately jump into a game like this, where if you bring him in there might be extra-time.

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“The situation is now that I hope – again I hope – that he will be available for Wednesday, but today came too early for him.”

Isak, 26, was signed in a British record £125million deal from Newcastle in the summer but he has had a slow start to life at Anfield. Before his injury, he had netted just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.

While Isak's return is a big boost for Slot and Liverpool, the Reds are still contending with a number of issues. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains out but is hopeful of returning at the end of the month. Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out with long-term injuries.

Boss Arne Slot is expected to give a more comprehensive update on the fitness of his squad when he holds his pre-match press conference in Paris.

Liverpool's injuries have come amid a very difficult season for the side under Slot. The defence of their Premier League title has fallen flat and they sit fifth in the table with seven games of the season left to go.

Having been eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester City, the Champions League represents their only opportunity of silverware this season.

Following the clash with PSG, Liverpool then welcome Fulham to Anfield at the weekend ahead of the return game against the French side in a week's time.