Alexander Isak injury latest as Arne Slot offers the latest update on the Liverpool striker ahead of taking on Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend at Anfield
13:22, 08 May 2026Updated 13:26, 08 May 2026
Alexander Isak during the Premier League game between Everton and Liverpool.
Alexander Isak during the Premier League game between Everton and Liverpool.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has returned to training ahead of this weekend's game with Chelsea, meaning he could feature tomorrow.
Arne Slot was without the Swede against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend because of a minor issue. It was described by the Reds boss at the time as a "very small" injury with last Sunday's clash just coming "too early". He was back with his teammates on Thursday.
In Isak's absence, Liverpool played with a front two of Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, but that didn't work. Things looked much more balanced when Cody Gakpo was moved into the number nine berth after the half-time break.
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Since signing for Liverpool from Newcastle last summer, Isak has struggled for match fitness and then broke his leg in act of scoring against Tottenham in December.
This summer will be important for him in getting back up to full speed so he can get properly back on track in August when the club game resumes.
Hugo Ekitike, of course, is sidelined for the long-term with an Achilles injury. And former Reds man Don Hutchison blasted his old side this week for not moving for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez instead.
Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak is hoping for a better season next year(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
"Can Isak score 20 goals next season? Twenty appearances. That's more likely," he said.
"I mean, it's not just the Isak thing, in my opinion. I think Premier League footballers now need to toughen up a lot because I'm seeing far too many players pull out with things like niggles.
"'Oh, he's got a niggle. He won't be fit this week; he'll be fit next week.' Take an injection, man. Get yourself fit.
"If I'm Alexander Isak, the first question I'm asking my physios and the doctors for a game against Manchester United with a groin injury is: 'Can I get an injection so I can play against Man United?' 'Yes, you can.' 'Right, give me it then.'
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"It goes back to when Liverpool signed Ekitike. I wouldn't have signed Alexander Isak; I would have broken the bank for Julian Alvarez. I don't know in what world, really, you sign two Harry Kanes, you sign two Erling Haalands — you signed two Isaks in him and Ekitike.
"They're both the same player. So again, it goes back to the board and what they thought. Maybe the board were arrogant and thought: 'Yeah, we'll get Ekitike. Yeah, we'll get Wirtz. Yeah, we'll get Isak. We're going to be amazing.'
"Sometimes you've got to buy the right players for the team."