Alexander Isak returns from injury to boost Liverpool and Sweden

Alexander Isak is set to hand a timely lift to both Liverpool and the Sweden national football team after returning to training on Thursday following a lengthy injury lay-off.

The 26-year-old striker has been sidelined since December after suffering a fractured ankle and fibula during a clash with Tottenham Hotspur, an injury that required surgery.

His recovery now comes at a pivotal stage of the season, with Liverpool pushing for a Champions League berth while Sweden looks ahead to this summer’s World Cup.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot welcomed the forward’s return, though he cautioned that Isak may not be rushed straight back into the starting XI.

"To have him again in a team that's usually generating quite a lot chances -- and maybe not immediately from the first moment that he can start -- but to have him back for the last two months is, I think, very helpful for us," Slot said.

Slot noted that having the striker available for the final two months of the campaign could prove “very helpful”, particularly for a side that consistently creates chances but has occasionally lacked a clinical edge.

Isak arrived at Anfield from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125 million, underlining the expectations placed upon him.

His comeback coincides with a demanding fixture list, including an FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and a Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

It is pertinent to mention that Sweden secured their World Cup place with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Polish national football team in a European play-off final, adding further positivity to Isak’s return as he prepares to rejoin full training.