Arne Slot supports Alexander Isak in leveraging the World Cup for a successful second season at Liverpool. Isak's first season has been challenging, with only three goals in 20 appearances due to injuries.
Mentioned in this story
Arne Slot backs Alexander Isak to use World Cup as springboard for a big second season at Liverpool
Arne Slot is hopeful that Alexander Isak can use the World Cup as a springboard to a strong second season at Liverpool.
Isak has endured a difficult debut season since signing for Liverpool from Newcastle United in a £125m British record deal last summer.
The Swedish striker has scored just three times in 20 appearances across all competitions, during a campaign derailed due to a lack of pre-season and serious injury in December.
Isak has recently returned from the fractured fibula and ankle issue sustained in the winter and has been eased back into action at Anfield.
His return is well timed, after fellow forward Hugo Ekitike sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon to curtail his own campaign.
Isak is expected to start when Liverpool host Crystal Palace in thePremier League tomorrow, and Slot has said he has seen encouraging signs from the 26-year-old in training.
The Dutchman has backed Isak to bounce back from a challenging campaign and said this summer's can be the platform to get back to his best.
Alexander Isak scored only three goals in 20 appearances during his debut season at Liverpool.
Alexander Isak was signed by Liverpool from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125 million.
Isak's first season was hampered by a lack of pre-season preparation and a serious injury in December.
Como president Mirwan Suwarso announced that Cesc Fabregas can join Chelsea as their next head coach if he chooses. This comes after Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior, marking the second coaching change this season.
Chicago Blackhawks 2025-26 Report Cards: Defensemen & Goaltenders
Sean McVay seemed unenthused about the Rams drafting Ty Simpson 13th overall.
Vikings surprise fans by drafting Caleb Banks at No. 18
R Ashwin critiques Hardik Pandya's decision-making in IPL 2026 after a loss to CSK.
Ekitike's injury may not be as severe as initially thought.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
"A very good pre-season with us would have been a very good lead up to the season. If he has a good World Cup where he plays a lot of games, that would be very helpful,"Slot said at his pre-match press conference.
"I'm happy he's back. What is realistic, where he is now? You tell me. I think we can all understand that if a player missed out four months or five months of training before he came to us, then we build him up and the moment that he was ready he got injured again, missing out four months again and now he's two weeks with us... that's a lot of months without training time with the team.
"In the middle of a season where everyone is top and top and top fit, that's not the easiest part to come back, but I think we are seeing progress in the games he's played – Paris Saint-Germain and now this one [Everton].
"We're hoping that progress can continue and how fast he's then at his best level, I don't know that. I cannot look at the future, but I'm hoping – for us and for himself – very soon."