Alexander Isak played no part in Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, but Arne Slot is hopeful that he will return next weekend.
It has been a torrid first season at Anfield for Isak, who arrived amid so much fanfare after his record-breaking £125 million move from Newcastle.
The Swede started the campaign short of match fitness and broke his leg in December, and he has failed to find any kind of rhythm, scoring just four goals in 22 appearances.
Speaking in his post-Villa press conference, Slot confirmed that Isak is in line to return for the visit of Brentford on the final day, training with his teammates next week.
“Yes, there will definitely be a chance,” Slot said.
“He missed pre-season as we all know and then he broke his leg.
“We’ve tried to be as careful as we could with him, taking into account that our other No. 9, Hugo Ekitike, is out for such a long time, so we needed him as a result of that even more.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 19, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak reacts to seeing his shot saved during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC, the 248th Merseyside Derby, at Bramley-Moore Dock. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“We’ve tried to be as careful as we could, but I don’t think it can come to anyone as a surprise if you miss your pre-season, if you then break your leg, that minor injuries can occur if you have to start in Premier League games immediately in that intensity.
“It’s just a bit of bad luck for him that in the moment of time when he comes back, Hugo gets injured and we need him more.
“I expect him to train with us this week, but I cannot give any guarantees.”
Alexander Isak must fire in his second season at Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Alexander Isak on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield. The 247th Merseyside Derby. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
When you pay £125 million for a player, you expect brilliance, so Isak’s maiden season in a Liverpool shirt hasn’t been far off woeful.
The injuries have clearly been a reason for that, which isn’t his fault, but he now faces a make-or-break second year with the Reds.
Isak desperately needs a proper pre-season – his World Cup commitments with Sweden won’t help in that respect – in order to go into the 2026/27 campaign fit and firing.
The 26-year-old showed at Newcastle that he is one of the world’s best strikers, and with Hugo Ekitike potentially out for all of 2026, he has to show it for Liverpool.
Hopefully, new signings will only help, with fresh attacking quality added in wide areas this summer, allowing Isak to hit the heights he is capable of.