When he joined Liverpool from Newcastle on transfer deadline day, Alexander Isak will have rung a red circle around Saturday’s fixture.
After the way things ended between him and his old club, the Swede will no doubt have been desperate to face them this season.
Sadly for Isak, that is not going to be the case. Arne Slot gave an update on his recovery from a broken leg on Friday, admitting that he is only just out of his protective boot.
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Alexander Isak during Leeds United v Liverpool - Premier League
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Isak is expected to return to fitness in March, hopefully just in time for Liverpool to make a real push in the Champions League knockout stages.
In the meantime, a very rare sighting of the Reds’ No. 9 – as well as fellow long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni – was afforded to fans at the AXA Training Centre on Friday.
Alexander Isak spotted walking freely
Isak’s £125m move from Newcastle could hardly have gone much worse this season.
As they head to Anfield for the first time since what they see as his great betrayal in the summer, Magpies fans will no doubt attempt to remind him of that this weekend.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak during Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League
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Liverpool supporters are simply desperate to see him back on the pitch again and although they are going to have to be patient for that, a video released by the Reds on X this Friday should make them feel a lot more positive.
Isak can be seen leaning over the coffee bar to sign a replica home shirt before walking away towards the staircase.
The 26-year-old does not move completely freely, and a limp can be seen. However, it is brilliant news that he is at least walking without any need for support. Next up, a return to the grass and then to the pitch.
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Alexander Isak reacts with his hands on his head during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
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Giovanni Leoni also spotted at the training centre
As well as Isak, it was great to see Leoni walking into the training centre on Friday. The 19-year-old greeted staff at the bar before heading through the double doors on the ground floor.
Leoni still has a little while to go on his own recovery, and there is no expectation that he will be seen again before the end of the campaign. Still, it was nice to see him smiling and his rehabilitation appears to be going well.
Meanwhile, Curtis Jones was spotted smiling at the camera following a brief bout of illness, with Ibrahima Konate also featured in the clip.
Konate looks set to feature against Newcastle on Saturday following the desperately sad news of his father passing away last week. No doubt he will be getting the support and care he needs from his teammates and the staff at Liverpool.
Despite all the loss, upheaval and concern at Anfield this season, it seems better days are ahead.
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