The £125m British record signing from Newcastle United has endured a nightmare debut season at the club. Hampered by a lack of pre-season fitness after his protracted summer transfer saga, the 26-year-old Sweden international managed just three goals in 16 appearances before suffering a serious fractured fibula and ankle injury in December against Tottenham. The setback sidelined him for months, compounding a difficult start that left many questioning whether the move was the right one. Yet, with Arne Slot’s side currently languishing outside the top positions amid inconsistent results and dropped points, the impending return of their star striker represents a massive potential lifeline in the push for Champions League qualification.
Recent updates from Slot have injected fresh belief. In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash on Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Dutch manager confirmed Isak has taken a significant step forward in his rehabilitation. “Alex has been on the pitch now, not with his football shoes but with his running shoes, for the first time this week,” Slot revealed. “He’s in the final stages of rehab… It will be somewhere around the end of March, start of April, when he’s hopefully back with the group.” While Slot cautioned that full sharpness won’t come immediately—“that’s not to say you’re ready to play, let alone start a game”—he was unequivocal about the upside: “We’re expecting a different player towards the end of the season than at the start… We haven’t seen the best Alex yet, but this club and our fans will see the best Alex, hopefully this season, but for sure in the upcoming years.”
Isak’s profile is tailor-made for what Liverpool have desperately lacked in crucial moments this term. His elite movement off the ball, intelligent runs in behind, clinical finishing inside the box, and ability to hold up play make him the archetypal modern No.9. The Reds’ attack has often created chances but struggled with the final touch or composure in front of goal, leading to frustrating draws and narrow defeats. Isak’s proven pedigree—20+ goal seasons at Newcastle and a reputation as one of Europe’s most complete forwards—could provide the ruthless edge needed to convert those opportunities and turn draws into wins.
The key to Isak thriving instantly in Slot’s system lies with one standout performer whose recent form proves the perfect synergy: Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian midfielder has been Liverpool’s “main character” this season, leading the club in goals (10), assists (7), chances created, and forward passes across domestic and European competitions. His explosive energy, technical brilliance, and relentless pressing have made him indispensable, with Slot praising his “close to ridiculous” qualities and Virgil van Dijk tipping him as a future leader.
Szoboszlai’s style is the ideal complement for Isak. Operating in advanced midfield or wide roles, he excels at linking play, dropping deep to receive, threading precise through balls, and creating space with intelligent movement. His ability to drive forward, combine in tight areas, and deliver high-quality service into dangerous zones would unlock Isak’s off-the-shoulder runs and poaching instincts. Imagine Szoboszlai’s vision feeding Isak’s darting movements— the Hungarian’s recent performances, where he’s consistently created high-xG chances and pulled defenses apart, demonstrate exactly how he could elevate the Swedish striker from day one. Slot’s possession-based, high-intensity setup emphasizes quick transitions and overloads in the final third, areas where Szoboszlai’s dynamism would create pockets of space for Isak to exploit, turning half-chances into goals.
Fans are buzzing with anticipation. Social media is alight with hope that Isak’s return—potentially in time for the run-in—could spark a late surge, much like historical comebacks at Anfield. Slot’s confidence in seeing the “best Alex” this season has fueled optimism that the £125m investment will finally pay dividends. With Szoboszlai already proving his elite-level output, the partnership could be transformative: Szoboszlai creating, Isak converting, and Liverpool rediscovering their clinical edge.
As the Reds battle through a transitional campaign, Isak’s recovery timeline offers tangible hope. If he returns sharp and integrates seamlessly—bolstered by Szoboszlai’s creative spark—Liverpool could yet mount a serious challenge for top-four glory and silverware in cups. The pieces are aligning; now it’s about execution in the final months.
