Reds manager Arne Slot is urging fans to remain patient with the club’s record signing as he works his way back to full fitness.

Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle in September for a British-record £125 million, $164 million, has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury in the Champions League victory over Frankfurt last month. The 26-year-old Swedish international has featured in just eight matches for Liverpool, with no Premier League goals to his name so far.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot confirmed Isak’s return to team training after a three-week absence. “He will train for the first time today with the team again after being out for three weeks,” Slot said. “I know I mentioned a few weeks ago that his pre-season was finished, but I have to amend that. A three-week rehab stint doesn’t return you to the level you were at before. So, patience will be key.”

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Despite Isak’s impressive start to his Liverpool career, his rehabilitation will require time before he’s fully match-fit. “Rehabilitation isn’t the same as actual gameplay or full team training,” Slot explained. “Even if we replicate match situations, it’s not the same. He needs time to get back to his best.”

While Isak’s return is a positive step, Slot also confirmed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to be available again after the upcoming international break, which follows Sunday’s crucial fixture against Manchester City.

Both Liverpool and City are chasing Arsenal, who currently lead the Premier League by six points. The Reds are in third place, just one point behind Guardiola’s men, after securing a much-needed 3-1 victory over Aston Villa last week to break a four-match league losing streak. Liverpool then followed up with an impressive 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Ahead of this weekend’s game, Slot was asked whether the match against City was a “must-win” for both sides, given Arsenal’s commanding position at the top. However, the Dutch manager downplayed the importance of the result, instead focusing on consistency and improvement.

“We’ve won two games in a row (against Villa and Real Madrid), so our main objective right now is consistency,” Slot said. “We need to get our players fit, build on our recent performances, and take it one step at a time.”

Slot also expressed excitement about facing off against Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. He praised City’s tactical consistency, noting that unlike some teams this season, Guardiola’s side offers a predictable and entertaining brand of football.

Source: Channels