Liverpool receive incredible Alexander Isak update as return date confirmed | OneFootball

There has been a shadow cast over the Reds all season, and that has been the Swede's absence. Liverpool paid a Premier League record £125m to lure Isak to Anfield.

It was supposed to herald a new era of dominance. But Isak arrived severely unfit. He had missed the entire pre-season because he had refused to train with Newcastle United and demanded his wish to be fulfilled to be sold to Liverpool.

Ultimately, those demands were met as Liverpool paid a hefty price.

But the Isak they thought they signed has been nowhere to be seen. There have been very small glimpses of what he could become but just three goals so far, has been nothing but disappointing.

Since December, he's also been out with an injury and has now missed several months - in which Liverpool could have really used his clinical edge in front of goal.

For weeks now, Liverpool fans have been speculation when Isak would be able to return to the team.

It's been hard on Hugo Ekitike, who has had to carry the mantle in Isak's absence and pretty much be the sole forward the club relied on.

The Frenchman has done a brilliant job on the whole but there is no denying all the games and expectations have taken their toll on Ekitike.

Going into the final stretch of the season, it's so vital that Isak comes back as soon as possible and helps to shoulder some of the weight carried by the Frenchman.

Well, that seems to be getting closer now. Isak's return looks imminent.

Liverpool fans were given an incredible update on his fitness on Tuesday afternoon with Isak spotted during the club's open training session.

He wasn't training with the team yet but the Swedish international was back running on the grass.

When will Isak return to Liverpool?

That's an incredibly exciting update. It means Isak is now edging closer and closer to that return which we've all been waiting for.

But Liverpool fans still have to be cautious. It doesn't mean he's going to be available for the weekend.

A recent report in The Times confirmed his expected return date as after the international break.

Paul Joyce, who is ever reliable, said that is when Isak is expected to come back and train with Liverpool's first-team.

This means that Isak is only going to be available for Liverpool come April.

But even that is going to be incredibly exciting.

It could be a huge boost to Liverpool's final push towards Champions League qualification. Having Isak back could save the Reds' their entire season.

Towards the end of April and the start of May, when the real tough fixtures begin, if Isak is able to play and make a contribution, even get close to the level he played last season - that might just be enough to clinch fourth or fifth spot, beating Chelsea and Manchester United or even Aston Villa in the race.

That's how important Isak is and that is why the club paid so much money for him.

Thankfully, he's now on his way back and Liverpool's forgotten star will be no more. He can finally become the hero we've all waited for him to become.