Liverpool are not expecting to see Alexander Isak back for a little while longer, but anticipation is growing ahead of his return.
Having been injured since December 20th, the Swede is already closing in on two months’ out.
The original prognosis was that Isak would likely miss around three months with a broken right leg, meaning Liverpool fans can start tentatively getting excited.
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Curtis Jones in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
Credit: Gaspafotos/MB Media/ Getty Images
The Reds’ record signing should be back to help with the latter stages of the Champions League and is set to play a big part in their push for a top-four Premier League finish.
Isak was spotted at the AXA Training Centre ahead of January’s clash with Newcastle United, and as Liverpool prepare to play Brighton in the FA Cup, the club have released some photos of his latest recovery session, with a ball encouragingly being introduced.
Alexander Isak back training with a ball
Although Hugo Ekitike has stepped up in his absence, it is clear that Liverpool have missed Isak’s finishing ability in recent weeks.
The Reds are creating chances but not scoring them, something the former Newcastle man can certainly help with.
Alexander Isak in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park.
Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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After an update posted on Liverpoolfc.com, supporters will be hoping that that will be sooner rather than later.
Isak can be seen controlling and volleying the ball with his left leg while working on some fitness drills as well.
It appears that his injured right leg is not yet being introduced for ball practice, but this is certainly a significant step in the right direction.
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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
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Could Isak return sooner than expected?
The one question on Liverpool supporters’ lips after seeing the latest in Isak’s recovery is whether the Sweden international could even be back sooner than expected.
Certainly, Liverpool could do with him at the moment, but they will also be especially careful not to rush him back.
Isak has already shown some adverse effects of coming back into things too quickly as he struggled to get up to speed following his summer move. The last thing Liverpool need is for him to have a setback.
Nevertheless, as strange as it sounds a broken bone may actually be quicker to recover from than a muscle injury, meaning when Isak is back, he should not need too much bedding back in.
For now, we await any clarity on exactly when Isak is set to return and whether that could come before February is finished. So far, though, the signs are looking positive.
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