Alexander Isak 'problem' message sent as Liverpool awaiting injury return

Alexander Isak is recovering from the broken leg he suffered at Tottenham in December, with the Liverpool striker receiving assessment from former Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz

Alexander Isak is still out with a broken leg he suffered against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been advised that Alexander Isak isn't yet a world-class striker, but he has the potential to be a "very good fit" if his injury issues can be solved.

Currently, Isak is on the mend from a broken leg sustained in a clash with Micky van de Ven during the Reds' 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas. The 26-year-old has only managed to start 10 games for Liverpool, having missed a full pre-season following his record-breaking $170 million transfer from Newcastle United. He also had a stint on the sidelines due to a groin issue prior to his current injury. He'll be one of a number of players missing this weekend.

During his three-year tenure at Real Sociedad, Isak only missed eight matches in all competitions. After a few months out with a thigh problem shortly after his move to Newcastle in August 2022, he was absent for just 12 of the subsequent 96 Premier League matches for the Magpies before this season began.

However, former Sweden and Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz believes that ongoing fitness problems are the main concern for Isak.

"First Alexander Isak has to come back from his injury and I think he will be a very good fit for Liverpool once he is fit," Schwarz commented, via the Liverpool Echo.

"He's a young player. He has a lot of qualities. He's very cool in the box, a very good finisher. He can produce magic in small areas and tight spaces. The only problem is his injury history.

"I think Liverpool will work with Isak to get the right balance so he doesn't miss out on too many games when he returns so he is a much better player for next season.

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak isn't expected to return any time soon(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

"He is a top striker but when you don't have the continuity, and you are injured, it's very difficult to reach the top again.

"He isn't a world-class striker right now but he has the potential to be one."

Isak faces an uphill battle to feature in Sweden's World Cup qualification push in March, with Graham Potter's squad needing victory in Ukraine before a decisive clash against either Poland or Albania.

Schwarz explained he believes Liverpool could reap the rewards should Isak make it to the finals this summer.

"It looks very difficult for Alexander Isak to participate in Sweden's play-off for the World Cup against Ukraine but the most important thing for him is to get back fully fit and recovered so he's well prepared to get a good number of games under his belt," said Isak.

"Liverpool will need the player they were looking for when they signed Isak to get them goals.

"I think it's always a positive thing if a player goes to the World Cup, European Championship or AFCON. It's always beneficial for the player because you compete against the best.

"It gives you the belief and the drive to show your skills to the rest of the world. If you have a good tournament then your club will benefit as well."