Alexander Isak Injury: Progress, Potential Return Date for Liverpool Star
Liverpool have been without Alexander Isak for over three months following the nasty leg injury suffered during a 2–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the end of last year.
Isak’s goal on the day—just his second in the Premier League since his $170 million (£125 million) move from Newcastle United in the summer—was a welcome sight for both supporters and manager Arne Slot, but the aftermath quickly dampened the mood.
As he broke the deadlock, the Swede went down injured following a challenge from Micky van de Ven, requiring several minutes of treatment on the pitch before eventually being forced off. Months later, Isak continues to fight his way back to full fitness.
Here is the latest update on the Liverpool forward’s condition.
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What Injury Does Isak Have?
The initial fear was that Isak may have suffered the dreaded anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury—a serious and often long-term setback—but the club subsequently confirmed that the 26-year-old had broken his leg, specifically fracturing his fibula (the bone between his knee and ankle) while also damaging his ankle.
Van de Ven charged across the penalty box in a desperate attempt to block the ball but succeeded only in making contact with Isak. The studs on the striker’s left boot were caught in the turf, resulting in the excruciating twist which has caused all this damage.
Liverpool revealed on Monday, Dec. 22—two days after the incident—that Isak had been forced to go under the knife to correct this issue. “After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture,” a statement read. The Reds optimistically included the verdict that the procedure had gone “successfully.”
When Will Isak Return From Injury?
Slot was quick to reassure Liverpool supporters that Isak would be seen again before the end of the current campaign and that promise has come to pass. Despite missing the target set by Sweden manager Graham Potter of returning in time for the March international break, Isak is on the cusp of making his comeback.
Liverpool confirmed that Isak returned to full first-team training on Thursday, April 2, a sizeable boost for the Reds for the closing weeks of the campaign.
“Of course it’s only his first session, after three or four months [out], with the team but it’s good to have him back because we all know who we signed and we’ve signed an incredible striker,” reflected Slot following Isak’s training return.
“So to have him again in a team that’s usually generating quite a lot of chances—and maybe not immediately from the first moment that he can start—but to have him back for the last two months is, I think, very helpful for us.”
A realistic return date of the away trip to Paris Saint-Germain in Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg has been set. The trip to France takes place on Wednesday, April 8.
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