Liverpool's Isak Back in Team Training After Injury

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed on Wednesday that striker Alexander Isak will return to full team training for the first time since his injury in December, providing a timely boost ahead of the club's packed schedule. The 26-year-old Sweden international has been sidelined with a fractured fibula and ankle damage sustained while scoring in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on December 20. His rehabilitation, which included surgery, has progressed steadily, allowing him to rejoin group sessions on Thursday before Liverpool's FA Cup quarterfinal at Manchester City on Saturday.

Isak's absence has contributed to Liverpool's challenging season, with the team currently fifth in the Premier League and 21 points behind the leaders in their bid to defend the title. The forward, who joined from Newcastle United last summer in a British record £125 million transfer, has managed only three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions. His limited playing time stemmed partly from fitness issues during the prolonged negotiations for his move to Anfield. In his stead, forward Hugo Ekitike has stepped up, scoring 16 goals in his debut campaign.