Regarding the injury of Liverpool's number 9 striker Alexander Isak, manager Arne Sloot delivered a positive signal at a recent pre-match press conference.

Isak, the striker who has been sidelined with injury since last December, has officially returned to the pitch this week for recovery training and is expected to wear the Reds jersey again in the spring.

In last year's away game against Tottenham, Isak suffered a severe ankle injury and a fractured fibula while scoring a goal, subsequently undergoing surgery and sidelining him for an extended period. Sloot revealed that Isak has already put on his running shoes this week and completed his first training session on the pitch since the injury.

"Although he hasn't put on his football boots yet and it will still be some time before he returns to the field, this is a huge encouragement for him and the medical team," Slot said. Returning to the pitch means the player has survived the toughest part of the gym, and the next goal is to resume training with the ball.

Facing the outside world's eager anticipation for Isak's return, Sloot emphasized the need to give the player ample time to adapt. He pointed out that in the highly competitive environment of the Premier League, one cannot expect a player sidelined for four or five months to immediately regain their peak form.

Sloot said, "We haven't seen Alex at his best yet, but his return will bring us different tactical options. We will be patient, and the fans will definitely see the best of him at the end of this season or in the next few years."

Sloot was quite cautious about the specific timeline for his return. He anticipates Isak will return to regular team training around the March international break. However, he also emphasized the uncertainties in the final stages of his recovery: "Returning to training does not mean he can start immediately; he needs to achieve his training goals step by step. We will closely monitor his condition to ensure he returns to the field at 100% health."

Image source: Internet/BBC official website