Liverpool boss Slot says Isak in ‘final stages of rehab’

Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot stated on Thursday (February 19, 2026) he believes striker Alexander Isak is within the “last phases of rehab” and will return by the top of subsequent month to bolster the Reds’ push for Champions League qualification.

The British report signing has been sidelined since mid-December when he fractured a bone in his decrease leg and wanted ankle surgical procedure following a sliding deal with from Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.

His harm got here simply as 26-year-old Sweden worldwide Isak, who joined Premier League champions Liverpool for £125 million ($169 million) from top-flight rivals Newcastle in September, was discovering his type at Anfield with two targets in six matches.

“Alex has been on the pitch, not along with his soccer boots however along with his trainers for the primary time this week,” Slot informed reporters.

“The subsequent step is doing work with the ball, which each and every participant likes most, then the subsequent step is to return into the group after which it takes some time earlier than you’re able to play.

“Will probably be a while round there, finish of March, begin of April, the place he’s hopefully again with the group. That isn’t to say you’re able to play, not to mention begin a sport.

“But it surely’s good that rehab goes effectively; that’s a praise to him and our medical employees.

“I believe everyone knows the second you go on the pitch it doesn’t take three months however these last phases of rehab may make it change.”

Isak is one in every of 5 Liverpool first-team gamers at the moment sidelined, with solely Jeremie Frimpong near a return.

The suitable-back has been out for the reason that finish of final month with a hamstring harm however is predicted to be out there for subsequent weekend’s go to of West Ham.

‘Helpful relaxation’

Liverpool have had a uncommon week with out a match forward of Sunday’s (February 22, 2026) journey to Nottingham Forest.

“It’s good and helpful because the gamers we’re having, 9 out of 10 go to the nationwide crew so for seven, eight, 9 months they hardly have a day without work,” stated Dutch boss Slot, who insisted he had no want of a relaxation himself.

“It was good however I didn’t really want it. Final season I felt I wanted it extra in this time period. I’m having fun with the work I do right here.”

Liverpool, after a sluggish begin to their title defence — at the moment are sixth and inside three factors of the highest 4 with 12 video games to go.

They subsequent play three of the underside 4 golf equipment as they appear to get themselves right into a Champions League place.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have been left simply 5 factors away from second-placed Manchester Metropolis after blowing a two-goal lead in a shock 2-2 draw away to rock-bottom Wolves on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).

Slot, nonetheless, stated: “We didn’t want yesterday to understand how troublesome it’s to win a Premier League sport. What has made the Premier League nicer this season than three, 4, 5, six years in the past is it’s extra aggressive.”