Liverpool legend calls for Alexander Isak caution as injury return beckons

EXCLUSIVE: The former Newcastle man is working his way back from a broken leg and likely to play some part in the coming weeks, Arne Slot has confirmed, but one ex-striker has said expectations may need to be lowered

Robbie Fowler said Liverpool needs to be realistic with their expectation when Alexander Isak returns from injury(Image: Getty Images)

Robbie Fowler has called for caution as Alexander Isak’s return to the Liverpool team beckons.

The striker has not played since December due to the broken leg he suffered while scoring in the win over Tottenham. But Arne Slot has confirmed he expects Isak to feature in the Champions League double header against Paris Saint-Germain across April 8 and 14, and reports this week have indicated he could even play some part against Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

Isak’s first season at Anfield has been impacted by several fitness issues since joining in a record-breaking deal last September.

He initially struggled to get up to full speed due to the lack of a full pre-season during the final months at Newcastle, while Isak then sustained a groin injury in October.

As a result, the Swede has managed just 16 appearances for Liverpool, only 10 starts, and he is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club. Therefore, Fowler, who scored 183 goals during his Anfield career, feels Liverpool fans may need to be patient with Isak.

“I think he's a brilliant player, but with the injuries, I'm not sure whether we'll see the best of him this year, the 50-year-old exclusively told Liverpool.com.

Isak suffered a broken leg in December(Image: Getty Images)

“When we see a fit and firing Alexander Isak, he could probably be the most important signing that this club has made for a long time.

“We've seen him obviously come to Liverpool, and for whatever reason, he wasn't fit. I don’t know the ins and outs of why he wasn't, but it took him a while to get up to speed, which is why I'm saying that we probably won't see the best of him this year, even if he does come back.

“He's certainly going to have a program, a fitness regime, that is probably needed to see the best of him.

Robbie Fowler spoke exclusively to Liverpool.com at a promotional Haier event at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)

“And I can't wait to see him. He excites me. I love goalscorers, obviously, but I love good players. And for me, he's a quality player.”

Fowler was speaking to Liverpool.com at Anfield during a Haier promotional event. The tech brand is among the club’s global partners, and Fowler saw first-hand the company’s range of innovative products on offer.

“I'm very simplistic in terms of kitchen items or electricals,” he said. “The minimalist, the better for me.

“I don't know if that's the design that they're trying to do, but it looks classy. It looks quality. They’ll be getting a call from me soon!”