Arne Slot has urged patience with Alexander Isak as the Swedish striker returns to training following a groin injury. The Liverpool manager provided an update on Isak's fitness ahead of their Premier League match against Manchester City on Sunday.
Isak, who sustained the injury during Liverpool's 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22, has been sidelined for the Reds' last four games. Slot confirmed that the £125 million signing will rejoin the team for training on Friday. However, he cautioned against expecting an immediate return to peak performance.
"He will train for the first time with the team again after being three weeks out," Slot told reporters. "I know that I said three weeks ago his pre-season has ended, so now it's time for us to see where he is".
Slot emphasized that the time spent in rehabilitation cannot fully replicate the demands of competitive football. "But I have to come back to those words because if you're three weeks only with rehab, that doesn't bring you back to the levels he was at three weeks ago," he explained. "Although our rehab team is doing an incredible job, you cannot compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team as much as we try to replicate it, that is simply not possible".
"Again I have to say, give him some time," Slot added, highlighting the need for a gradual reintegration. While Isak might make the matchday squad for the clash at the Etihad Stadium, Hugo Ekitike is likely to lead the attack for the Premier League champions.
Slot also addressed the fitness of Andy Robertson, who has played three matches in a week. "Robbo started three games in seven days as he started against Crystal Palace. I had to take him off towards the end (against Real Madrid). I felt he was tired but we will wait to see where he is today".
Liverpool will be without Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni for the game against Manchester City. Alisson is expected to return for the home game against Nottingham Forest on November 22.
Despite missing key players, Liverpool enters the match against City on a high, buoyed by a 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid and a 2-0 win against Aston Villa.
