Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool forward Alexander Isak watched from the bench during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.
Isak has not started a Reds match since suffering a groin injury in the Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.
He missed five games as a result of the injury. The Sweden international returned to training last Friday for the first time in almost three weeks.
He was included in the squad that travelled to the Etihad, but manager Arne Slot opted not to introduce him while Liverpool were trailing.
While Slot did not explain the reasoning behind that decision, he provided an update on Isak’s condition ahead of the game.
“For me, he is in the end stage of his rehab,” Slot told Sky Sports. “Had two training sessions with us.
“Yes, we have trained, but not with the intensity that would have been best for Alex.
“He is there if he needs to help us.”
The striker was named in Sweden boss Graham Potter’s squad last week, and Slot will hope Isak can build up his sharpness with the international side before returning to Liverpool for the club’s busiest run of fixtures.
November’s international break is the last until March.
Speaking at a national team press conference, Sweden boss Graham Potter provided the latest injury update on Isak ahead of Sweden’s games against Switzerland and Slovenia.
“Alexander is here. I spoke to him briefly. He is doing well, has no problems,” the Sweden boss told Fotbollskanalen.
Isak’s fitness has been a recurring issue since leaving Newcastle United, having missed pre-season after being frozen out by Eddie Howe.
He built up form at Liverpool, starting three consecutive league matches, but sustained an injury two games after the October international break and has struggled to make an impact since his record-breaking transfer.
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