Alexander Isak already has a return date at Liverpool: Arne Slot revealed it

Liverpool’s frontline has felt a little quieter lately, and there’s a Swedish-shaped hole to blame for it. Ever since Alexander Isak suffered a devastating leg fracture during the 2-1 victory over Tottenham on December 20, the Reds' attacking depth has been pushed to its absolute limit.

While Hugo Ekitike has stepped up admirably—often looking like a star in the making—the physical reality of the Premier League is starting to catch up with the young Frenchman. It’s no secret that Ekitike is running on fumes, and the need for a tactical rotation at the "Number 9" spot has never been more urgent.

The sight of Isak back with a ball at his feet at the AXA Training Centre last week was the tonic Liverpool fans needed. However, Arne Slot is preaching patience over panic. During his Thursday press conference, the Dutch manager provided a realistic window for Isak’s comeback: late March to early April.

When asked if Isak could feature in Sweden’s high-stakes World Cup playoff against Ukraine on March 26, Slot remained cautiously optimistic but grounded. "It will be somewhere around there," Slot noted, highlighting that the timeline depends entirely on whether his recovery continues smoothly or hits a standard "setback" common with long-term injuries.

The goal is to have him reintegrated into team training by the turn of the month. But Slot was quick to manage expectations—joining a training session is one thing; leading the line in a Premier League battle is another entirely.

The timing of this injury was particularly cruel. Isak was just beginning to justify his British record transfer fee, finding the net and his rhythm at the exact moment his leg gave way. Now, the challenge is getting that player back.

Slot pointed to Isak’s history as a cautionary tale:

"The last time he was sidelined for months, we all saw it took a significant amount of time before he resembled the player we signed from Newcastle."

The message is clear: Liverpool isn't just waiting for a body on the pitch; they are waiting for the elite marksman they paid for. Because Isak has been limited to individual drills for nearly five months, Slot insists he cannot be expected to find his "top gear" the moment he laces up his boots.

While the Anfield faithful would love a miracle in the season's closing weeks, Slot is looking at the bigger picture. He believes a full pre-season will eventually unveil a "different player" than the one we've seen so far.

That said, the manager hasn't given up on the current campaign. Slot expects a sharper, more integrated version of Isak to emerge in the final stretch of the season. "Unfortunately for him and for us, we haven't used the best Alex yet," Slot admitted. "But this club and our fans will see the best Alex—hopefully this season, but for sure in the upcoming years."

For now, the wait continues, but the finish line is finally in sight.