Liverpool’s Alexander Isak returns to training, but is not prepared to begin – Arne Slot

Arne Slot has stated that it is “definitely too fast” to anticipate Alexander Isak’s inclusion in Liverpool’s starting eleven following his return to team training, but acknowledged that it is a “very good thing” to have him available once more.

Isak participated in training with Slot’s squad on Thursday for the first time since sustaining fractures to both his leg and ankle during the 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in December. This injury added to what has been a challenging inaugural season at Anfield for the forward, who transferred to the club in a £125 million ($164m) deal from Newcastle United last summer.

Although Isak is not expected to play a significant role for Liverpool in Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal match against Manchester City, his presence could provide the Reds with a substantial advantage as the season approaches its conclusion.

“It will definitely be too fast to expect him in the starting lineup,” Slot remarked.

“He trained with us yesterday for the first time and today will mark his second session after exactly 101 days. It will require some time to integrate him for extended minutes, but we will ensure we take the appropriate steps in terms of his conditioning. It is a very good thing to have him back on the training pitch. Having him in matches would be even better, that’s for sure.”

When asked if Isak might be utilized from the bench against City, Slot replied: “It’s a challenging situation because we are not playing a standard match. What I mean is that it could go to extra time, which complicates things further if we bring him on thinking he can only play 10 minutes and then it extends to extra time.

“Of course, we can substitute him again if we have enough players available. Perhaps a few minutes, but let’s wait and see how he feels today. It’s evident that after two training sessions in 100 days, it would not be sensible to start him tomorrow.

“He hasn’t just missed preseason; he also missed the conclusion of Newcastle’s season and did not join the national team, so he has missed much more than just preseason. What is realistic? I believe the rehabilitation team did an excellent job. If I compare him now to where he was before his injury, I see a player who is significantly stronger and physically in a much better position, but transitioning from 100 days off to the intensity of the Premier League at this stage of the season, along with the Champions League where the competition is typically tougher, what can we realistically expect? That’s challenging.

– Premier League without set-piece goals: What would the table look like?
– Weekend predictions: Man City or Liverpool in FA Cup?

“I am truly pleased that I have at least a No. 9 available again, either behind Hugo [Ekitike] or alongside him, which is already a positive development. As for expectations, I believe I’ve mentioned several times that next season, once he has had a preseason, we can anticipate more from him than we can now, but even in his current state, he represents a significant improvement for us compared to what we had when he arrived.”

Slot also confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker will not travel to the Etihad, nor will he participate in next week’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, while Jeremie Frimpong and Mohamed Salah—who announced last week that this will be his final season at Liverpool—are both expected to be available for the encounter against Pep Guardiola’s team.

Regarding Salah, Slot stated: “He trained with us yesterday and will train today, making him available for the game tomorrow. What has transpired since his announcement is what he fully deserves. His teammates, when asked about his legacy, expressed what needed to be said.

“He has been remarkable for this club for so many years, scoring numerous goals and winning many trophies. I saw a wonderful photo of him in front of all the trophies he has won, both individually and as part of a team. I can only hope that he can add two more trophies to that collection before the season concludes.”