Liverpool received a welcome boost ahead of their Premier League showdown with Manchester City as Alexander Isak resumed full training today.
The Swedish international striker has been sidelined for the past four matches after picking up an injury during the Europa League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s headline fixture, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Isak has rejoined team training for the first time in three weeks.
However, he warned supporters not to expect him to hit the ground running once he’s reintegrated into the team.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again, after being three weeks out,” Slot said during his pre-match press conference earlier 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.
“So, again I have to say, give him some time.”
Isak’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for Liverpool, although the blockbuster against Man City will likely come too soon for the former Newcastle United striker.
The 26-year-old scored 23 Premier League goals for the Magpies last season, but is yet to open his goalscoring account in four attempts at Liverpool.
While Isak’s return to training will dominate headlines, there was further good news on the injury front for Liverpool.
Slot has provided a timeline on the return of key duo Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong.
The Dutchman expects both players to be back for the game against Nottingham Forest after the international break, but reckons his countryman might need more time to get up to speed.
“Alisson for sure, and I expect Jeremie back after the international break as well because we play from November until March,” Slot said.
“But I don’t expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest, but with Alisson, we expect this.”