Alexander Isak can take inspiration from Liverpool cult hero to rescue season

Alexander Isak has endured a difficult first season at Liverpool following his summer transfer, but the striker can still salvage something from the campaign with Champions League hopes in the balance

Alexander Isak is hoping to return to fitness soon(Image: Getty Images)

A high-profile Liverpool striker signing, their debut campaign cut short by a broken leg, now in a race against the clock to regain full fitness and make a meaningful contribution during the final weeks, with Champions League qualification and a top-four finish hanging in the balance.

For Reds supporters of a certain generation, this tale will feel remarkably familiar. The gruelling journey Alexander Isak has endured this season closely mirrors that of Djibril Cisse, who completed a then-club record £14.5 million ($19.5 million) switch from French outfit Auxerre in the summer of 2004.

Sidelined for the best part of six months after suffering a broken leg, Cisse worked his way back through a string of substitute appearances and a solitary start, before coming off the bench to net in the penalty shoot-out that secured an extraordinary Champions League final victory over AC Milan in Istanbul.

Despite missing out on a top-four finish, his contribution helped maintain Liverpool's standing amongst Europe's elite.

While Isak's spell on the sidelines is expected to be roughly half that of Cisse, there is little question that the Swedish international will find himself in a familiar predicament for much of the campaign — playing catch-up in terms of fitness and sharpness, having been denied a proper preseason at Newcastle due to his determination to push through an eventual £125 million ($168.3 million) transfer to Anfield.

As Slot has repeatedly stated, the Liverpool coaching staff believed that Isak, having recovered from a subsequent groin issue, was finally beginning to recapture his previous form when he sustained his latest injury while netting the opening goal as a substitute in the 2-1 victory at Tottenham the weekend before Christmas.

Djibril Cisse recovered from a broken leg to win the Champions League in 2005(Image: Getty Images)

Speaking on Thursday, the Liverpool manager believes Isak is capable of replicating that form upon his return to action, which is most likely to occur after next month's international break.

The striker will therefore hope there remains plenty to compete for, with the Reds targeting quarterfinal places in both the Champions League and FA Cup by the time of his comeback.

However, while Slot believes Isak can resume where he left off, the truth is there will be no urgency to rush him back into the starting XI, particularly given the success of Hugo Ekitike spearheading the attack in his absence.

Rotation with the overworked Ekitike will become a possibility once Isak regains match fitness.

But following such a disrupted campaign with just three goals in 16 appearances, the 26-year-old will be thankful for every minute he receives on the pitch between now and the season's conclusion.

There could yet emerge a defining moment for Isak as a reward for his perseverance throughout a challenging season.

Just ask Cisse.

Liverpool's next game is against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.