Liverpool manager Arne Slott has refused to set a timetable for Alexander Isak’s return to the team as he accelerates his rehabilitation from a broken leg, but Joe Gomez could play against Galatasaray on Wednesday night. The 26-year-old Sweden international fractured his fibula in December and was forced to undergo surgery as a result. Isak, who joined Liverpool in England’s record deal in the summer, was seen training alone ahead of the Reds’ crucial Champions League game against Galatasaray.
Isak’s return to the training ground is encouraging for the Premier League champions, but Slott insists a return to the first team is not imminent. However, he provided a more positive update on Gomez, who could feature in Liverpool’s second leg despite missing training on Tuesday. Slot’s team must overturn a 1-0 deficit to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.
“Alex is away and Joe will decide tomorrow,” the Liverpool manager said on Tuesday afternoon. “(Gomez) was not ready to practice today. He had problems against Galatasaray, but after the last game he had too many problems.
“We weren’t scheduled to play against Tottenham, but Ibou (Konate) felt pain in his hamstring and didn’t want to take any risks. He’s going to try tomorrow, Joe.”
“The fact that we’re seeing Alex on the pitch shows he’s getting close. He won’t be available again on Saturday. There’s no timescale. If you’ve been doing individual sessions for months, it’s quite a step up to train with the team and then to play in the Premier League or Champions League.”
Gomez played in the 1-1 stalemate against Tottenham at the weekend, but his possible absence could present a defensive challenge for Slott.
If Gomez is not given the green light to play against Galatasaray, Ibrahima Konate could step into the heart of Liverpool’s defense.
