Alexander Isak
LIVSweden
Right
Sep 21, 1999
26
6'4"
170 lb
CF
--
Poacher
LiverpoolFinds bench role
Isak (groin) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Chelsea.
Analysis: Isak returned to partial training Thursday for the first time after a groin issue, with manager Arne Slot expressing hope that he could build on that ahead of Friday's session and potentially feature in some capacity against Chelsea. The forward's progression has been encouraging, and while a starting role came too soon given the limited training time behind him, his presence on the bench is a significant boost for Liverpool heading into a crucial fixture. The coach made clear his involvement would depend on how well he came through the final session, and the club opted for a cautious but optimistic approach to his reintegration.
Trains, close call Saturday
Isak (groin) is a late call for Saturday's match against Chelsea after a return to partial training, according to manager Arne Slot. "Alex trains with us again. Only yesterday, for the first time. So that's a positive. Yesterday he did parts of it, so hopefully he can do parts - or everything - today, and let's then see how much we're going to use him tomorrow."
Analysis: Isak is seeing a boost this week after a return to training, but has not yet been cleared, as he has only trained partially. He will now use the next day to try to continue to train more and raise his levels, potentially leaving him fit to feature if he can get through a full session. The good news is it appears he should be ready for at least some minutes, although a start off the jump may come too quickly.
Remains sidelined in training
Isak (groin) has yet to rejoin team practice Wednesday ahead of the weekend's meeting with Chelsea, Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo reports.
Analysis: Isak suffered an apparently minor issue that left him out of the previous clash against Manchester United, but he's not guaranteed to make an immediate return. Considering that he recently recovered from a serious ankle problem, the team might be cautious and manage his workloads until he's fully healthy. Meanwhile, either Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo could be deployed in the No. 9 role.
Out to face United
Isak is out for Sunday's match against Manchester United due to an apparent groin injury, according to manager Arne Slot. "Of course, very unlucky and unhappy with the fact that Alex picked up a small - really small - injury. That's why this game came a bit too early. The same can be said about Alex, we're hoping to have him back next week. But that's small margins, as it always is in football."
Analysis: Isak is no longer an option for Liverpool as he once again hits the sidelines this season, suffering from a groin injury that the club didn't want to risk. After only five games back, this is a rough loss, as he is trying to end the season fit after months on the sidelines. Without Hugo Ekitike as well, the club is now without its top two options at forward. Cody Gakpo steps into the forward role in their place. The good news is Isak is expected to return this season, being left out more for caution.
Opens scoring
Isak scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-1 win versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Isak made the most of his only shot during Saturday's win, finishing nicely to open the scoring. It's been a tough season in Liverpool for Isak, injuries have plagued him and he's struggled to replicate his Newcastle form. Isak will hope to close this season strong and get fully worked into the squad during the offseason.
Can't yet handle 90 minutes
Isak started the Champions League second leg against PSG and played one half before being withdrawn at the break, with coach Arne Slot confirming he is not yet ready to handle a full 90 minutes. "It is good to have Isak back, although he can't play 90 minutes yet."
Analysis: Isak is making steady progress in his return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for over three months, and starting the PSG fixture is a significant step up from the 12-minute cameo he managed in the first leg. With Hugo Ekitike (Achilles) now ruled out for months, Isak's gradual return takes on added urgency for Liverpool, who will need him firing on all cylinders for the final stretch of the season. Cody Gakpo could see more time as the central striker while Isak builds his way back to full sharpness, with coach Slot clearly committed to managing his minutes carefully to avoid any setbacks.
Building form off bench
Isak is fully available and featured for 12 minutes in Wednesday's Champions League clash against PSG, as he is expected to build his form off bench, according to coach Arne Slot. "Alexander is available for us again. So, to have him back is really nice. It was only 15 minutes, but it's good to have him back. Hopefully, we can progress his minutes, and we can grow his form as soon as possible, but last time, of course, it took him a while."
Analysis: Isak has been sidelined for over three months following ankle surgery and is now working his way back through cameo appearances off the bench before pushing for a starting role. The Swedish striker has had a difficult debut season at Anfield, managing just two goals in 10 Premier League appearances, and coach Slot's acknowledgment that it took him a while to find form last time around suggests the club will be patient in rebuilding his confidence. Hugo Ekitike has filled the attacking void admirably during his absence, making the competition for a starting spot an interesting subplot to follow as the season heads into its final stretch.
Fit for bench
Isak (ankle) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against PSG.
Analysis: Isak is back in the squad Sunday and on the bench as expected, fit for a return but not starting time. This is a major return not just for the club but for the sport, as the massive and expensive summer signing is finally fit again after over three months out. Even when he was previously fit, his start with Liverpool has not been easy, recording two goals in 10 appearances (six starts) while being outplayed by fellow forward Hugo Ekitike.
Traveling for UCL play
Isak (ankle) is in the traveling squad for Wednesday's match against PSG and is an option for minutes, according to manager Arne Slot, per James Pearce of The Athletic. "He's finished close to a week of team training sessions, so he can play a part. We think we can get a performance out of him, but not to start."
Analysis: Isak is still eyeing a return Wednesday as his chance to make that happen continues to rise, with the forward now traveling with the team. This is major news for the Swedish forward and his club, as the mega summer-signing has not played since December due to the injury. His prospects of seeing the field Wednesday are still up in the air, not an option to start immediately, but having a chance of featuring off the bench later in the match if the flow of the game allows him to.
Hopes to return against PSG
Isak (ankle) is ruled out for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Manchester City and will hope to return for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, according to coach Arne Slot. "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. The situation is now that I hope - again I hope - that he will be available for Wednesday, but today came too early for him."
Analysis: Isak has been unable to make it back in time for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Manchester City despite being close to a return, remaining sidelined since December following ankle surgery. The forward had only two training sessions under his belt heading into the weekend, leaving coach Arne Slot unwilling to take any risks with his fitness. The forward will hope to be back fit for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain to help the Reds in the final stretch of the season. With just two goals in 10 appearances this campaign, Liverpool will have to wait a little longer before welcoming back their striker.
Could see minutes Saturday
Isak (ankle) is back in team training this week but won't start Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City, with a brief cameo off the bench the most realistic scenario, according to coach Arne Slot. "It will definitely be too fast to expect him in the starting line-up. He trained with us yesterday for the first time and today for the second time after exactly 101 days, I know this because it was told to me. So, it will take a bit of time to give him a lot of minutes. We will make sure we do the right thing in terms of building him up in minutes, but it's a very good thing to have him on the training ground again. It would be even a better thing to have him available for games, that's for sure. [...] So, yeah, maybe a few minutes but let's wait and see how it is with him today, how he feels about it himself. It's clear that after two training sessions, after 100 days, it would not make any sense to start him tomorrow."
Analysis: Isak has been sidelined since December following ankle surgery, making Saturday's potential return a significant milestone in what has been a frustratingly disrupted season. With only two training sessions under his belt heading into the weekend, coach Arne Slot will not throw him straight into the fire, but even a few minutes off the bench against Manchester City would be a welcome sign of life for a forward who has managed just two goals in 10 appearances this campaign.
Set to join team training Thursday
Isak (ankle) is set to join team training on Thursday, according to manager Arne Slot. "I think Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup yesterday evening, and apart from that, he's going to train with the group again for the first time tomorrow."
Analysis: Isak has received a huge boost to his return as he is set to see the training field again, joining his teammates for the first time since his injury and subsequent surgery in December. This further reinforces the thought that the forward will be an option heading into the UCL quarterfinals that start in a week, although that will still depend on his development, not wanting to risk further injury after the long absence. He will likely need to see a good week of training before a return is even thought of, hoping to reclaim the form he saw in previous seasons, only with two goals in his minimal 10 appearances (six starts) this season.
Should be fit for UCL quarterfinals
Isak (ankle) is expected to be available in April and potentially be an option in Champions League play, with manager Arne Slot commenting Friday that "Alex will be available [for PSG], yes. The question is what you mean around 'being ready'. If you want to have the player who played exactly a year ago against us in the Carabao Cup final - and was too good for us on that day - then I would tell you I have my doubts about that after seven or eight months out. But I expect that I can use him for minutes. Exactly what I get from that I cannot tell you because he hasn't trained with the team even once. He still is not able to train with the team and he hasn't been able to train with the team and usual rehab is before you start to train with the team and then you play games. You don't, after one training session, play 45 minutes or 90 minutes.", Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo reports.
Analysis: Isak could be expected to make a gradual return to action after the March international break, as he hasn't played since Dec. 20 and has only trained individually in recent weeks. If his recovery continues to progress as expected, the striker may have some chances to produce in the final stretch of the campaign. Until then, Hugo Ekitike will be the favored option to lead the front line.
Back on training pitch
Isak (ankle) is back on the training field but is not yet an option, according to manager Arne Slot. "Alex is, like I said, not available for tomorrow, but the fact that you see him on the pitch tells you that he gets closer and closer to joining us again."
Analysis: Isak was back on the training field Tuesday but was not yet with his teammates, only training individually. This is a positive update, but it still leaves him a bit away from a return, holding out until some time in April. Either way, this is positive, as he should join his teammates soon.
Not yet in team training
Isak (ankle) is working through rehabilitation but is not yet training with his teammates, according to manager Arne Slot, per Fabrizio Romano.
Analysis: Isak is seeing progress but has not made the major step to training yet, still waiting to join up with his teammates. That said, his return remains up in the air as he recovers from the issues, planning to hopefully be an option in April. We will likely see a further update after the international break with a clearer repsonse of a return, as the club holds out that they at least get to use their expensive summer signing to end the campaign.
Trains with running shoes
Isak (ankle) is training with running shoes for the first time this week and could make his return around early April if everything goes as planned in his recovery, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "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."
Analysis: Isak is back in training with running shoes as he kicks off a new phase in his recovery from a serious ankle injury. The striker is trending toward an early April return if everything stays on schedule. The plan will likely be to ramp him up gradually to avoid any setbacks after a lengthy layoff. In the meantime, Hugo Ekitike continues to be the primary beneficiary of Isak's extended absence and has locked down a leading role up top.
Working with ball indoors
Isak (ankle) was back training with a ball indoors Friday, according to his club.
Analysis: Isak is making progress from a December surgery on his ankle, as the forward was back working with a ball as he trained on turf indoors. After 12 games and nearly two months out, he is finally seeing some progress towards a return. However, he is still expected to miss another one to two months, leaving a return still a bit away for the Swedish forward.
Not training on pitch yet
Isak (ankle) will remain out for a while due to injury since he is still not training on the pitch, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "No, he's not even on the pitch yet. I think it's called a walker, he's just out of his walker, so that tells you that he's not on the pitch and not expecting him on the pitch today or tomorrow in terms of his recovery work. That's going to take a while before he's back, as we knew."
Analysis: Isak isn't training on the pitch yet and should miss a while before resuming team training due to the ankle injury he suffered against Tottenham. The striker will likely still miss a couple of months to recover fully but should return before the end of the season. His absence will allow Hugo Ekitike to get a larger role in the frontline for the reds.
Out for couple of months
Isak (ankle) will be out for a couple of months, coach Arne Slot confirmed in the press conference. "No, it's going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That's a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that of course also for us. "Yeah, the last thing I am [confident he can play again this season]."
Analysis: Isak suffered a bad tackle in the last game against Tottenham and sustained a serious ankle injury that required surgery on Monday. The striker will be out for a couple of months, although an end of season injury is unlikely at this point since coach Arne Slot is confident about a return before the end of the campaign. His absence will allow Hugo Ekitike to take on a larger role in the frontline.
Undergoes surgery
Isak (ankle) underwent surgery on his ankle, Liverpool announced Monday.
Analysis: Isak underwent surgery on his ankle after sustaining a serious injury in the process of scoring against Tottenham. The striker is set for an extended spell on the sideline, likely putting an end to his first season at Liverpool. Hugo Ekitike will lead the line for the remainder of the season while Isak recovers, with hopes of maybe returning for the closing stages of the Premier League.
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