Key Points
- Alexander Isak has been sidelined since December after undergoing surgery for an ankle injury including a fibula fracture sustained at Tottenham Hotspur.
- Isak began running on the pitch this week for the first time, using running shoes rather than football boots.
- Arne Slot expects Isak to return to the first-team group around late March or early April, if rehabilitation progresses without setbacks.
- Slot warns that final rehab stages are unpredictable and issued a caution against setting a firm timescale.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) February 19, 2026 – Arne Slot has provided a significant update on Alexander Isak’s injury recovery, indicating the striker could return to team training by late March while cautioning on potential setbacks.
The Liverpool head coach shared these details during his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference, following photographs of Isak’s rehabilitation published last week. Isak, Liverpool’s record £125 million signing from Newcastle United, has not played since December’s surgery on his ankle and fibula fracture from the 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.
What Did Arne Slot Say About Isak’s Recovery Timeline?
Slot revealed that Isak has progressed to on-pitch running this week, marking a key milestone in his rehabilitation. According to Liverpoolfc.com, the Dutch manager stated: “Alex, I think he has been on the pitch now, not with his football shoes but with his running shoes, for the first time this week, so that will still take a while as well before he is ready to play for us again.”
ESPN reporting quotes Slot adding: “It will be somewhere around there and then it’s always the question if things go really well or if he gets a little bit of a setback. So, it will be around that period of time – end of March, start of April when he’s hopefully back with the group.” This timeline aligns with coverage from This Is Anfield and AS, confirming expectations for a late March or early April return to the squad.
How Has Isak’s Injury Affected His Liverpool Tenure?
Isak’s injury has disrupted his start at Anfield after his summer transfer from Newcastle. Slot emphasised the challenges of reintegration, noting that four or five months of individual training means the forward will need time to regain match fitness, as reported by ESPN.
What Progress Has Isak Made in Rehabilitation?
Recent images showed Isak advancing through gym work and initial pitch sessions. Slot described the final rehab phases as delicate, where progress depends on consistently meeting benchmarks without overexertion, per Liverpoolfc.com.
Will Liverpool See the Best of Isak This Season?
Slot expressed optimism that fans could witness Isak at his peak this season, despite the abbreviated preparation. He told reporters: “Unfortunately for him and us, we haven’t used the best Alex yet but this club and our fans will hopefully see the best Alex this season,” according to ESPN. The manager stressed patience, avoiding a rushed return before full readiness.
This update tempers expectations while highlighting positive steps in Isak’s recovery, with Slot’s comments underscoring the need for cautious management through the coming weeks.
