Liverpool’s injury problems were laid bare once again on Saturday as they slipped to a demoralising defeat against Bournemouth.
The Reds are still winless in the Premier League in 2026, with Arne Slot coming under renewed pressure from the fanbase.
Part of Slot’s problem has been a difficulty in getting his best XI on the pitch all season. Alexander Isak‘s ongoing fitness issues have played a big part in that and the Swede continues to be missing with a broken leg.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Who was Liverpool’s worst player as they fell to a pathetic loss against Bournemouth?
Mohamed Salah chases the ball during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
In his absence, Slot has been trialling a new-look front line with two wide central forwards, but with Hugo Ekitike also struggling to play every game, things look makeshift at the moment.
Although he has not been at his best since joining the club, Liverpool fans are desperate to see Isak come back. Following Saturday’s miserable outing on the South Coast, an update on when that could be has been issued.
Liverpool fans will not see Alexander Isak until March
When he was confirmed to have broken his leg just before Christmas, early suggestions put Isak’s likely rehab time at around three months.
The No. 9 has since missed just over one month of action, with the bulk of the recovery still ahead of him.
Liverpool's Swedish striker #09 Alexander Isak (R) shoots to score the opening goal for 0-1 as Tottenham Hotspur's Dutch defender #37 Micky van de Ven (L) challenges during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Steve Nicol tears Virgil van Dijk apart after ‘worst game’ for Liverpool vs Bournemouth
No exact update has been given on how Isak’s recovery is going behind the scenes, but The Athletic do report on Sunday that it will be ‘at least’ March until the 26-year-old is seen again.
As his injury arrived towards the end of December, that suggests it could even be April until Isak is ready to play.
Clearly, this is dreadful news for Liverpool who could really do with nailing down how to use their £125m signing before the end of the season.
Which Liverpool player are you most concerned about?
There were some AWFUL performances vs Bournemouth
Virgil van Dijk complains after Liverpool concede against Bournemouth during the Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Catherine Ivill – AMA
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Isak can still help Liverpool win the Champions League
To anyone who watched Liverpool listlessly lose at Bournemouth on Saturday, suggestions that they could end the season as champions of Europe will seem utterly laughable.
Nevertheless, the Reds have looked like a different prospect in Europe and there is a growing hope amongst the fanbase that the Champions League could offer them a way home this season.
In order for Isak to be available to help with that, Liverpool will have to at least make it to the quarter-finals.
A win over Qarabag on Wednesday would take them into the last-16, ties which are currently scheduled to take place between the 10th and 18th of March. Isak will likely miss both legs, but could be back by the last eight, which is down to be played between the 7th and 15th of April.
It has been a terrible first season at Anfield for Isak, but if Liverpool can do their bit and make it to the last eight in Europe, he could still make an all-important contribution. Patience will be required, but March will be here before we know it.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox