Liverpool manager Arne Slot has urged patience with record signing Alexander Isak, who is set to return to team training on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Premier League showdown against Manchester City.
Isak, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in September for a British-record transfer fee of £125 million ($164 million), has been sidelined since limping off at half-time during the Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last month.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out,” Slot told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“I know that I said three weeks ago that his pre-season has ended so now it’s time for us to see where he is. But I have to come back to those words, because if you are three weeks only with the rehab, that doesn’t bring you back to the levels he was three weeks ago.”
The Swedish international has made just eight appearances for the Reds since his high-profile move to Anfield and is still awaiting his first Premier League goal.
Slot cautioned that Isak, 26, will need time to regain full match fitness. “You cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team,” the Dutch manager explained. “As much as we try to replicate it, that’s simply not possible. So, again I have to say, give him some time.”
Slot also provided an update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, confirming that the Brazilian is expected to return immediately after the upcoming international break.
Liverpool, who ended a four-match losing streak with a win over Aston Villa last week, sit third in the table — one point behind second-placed Manchester City and seven adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
This weekend’s fixture at the Etihad Stadium is expected to be a crucial test for both sides, who have dominated English football over the past decade.
AFP
