Michael Owen has warned Liverpool fans not to expect Alexander Isak to rediscover his best form before the end of the season.
The striker is back after a lengthy injury lay-off and scored in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace — his first goal since December. However, he was then ruled out of the Man United defeat after suffering a groin issue, adding another frustrating setback to a difficult debut campaign.
That 3-2 loss at Old Trafford put the lack of attacking firepower on full display, and Owen doesn’t see that improving in the coming weeks.
How do you feel about Liverpool players taking ‘city trips’ on private jets days before big games?
And then going on to play abysmally…
Michael Owen says Liverpool won’t see the best of Alexander Isak this season
Isak arrived at Liverpool for a record transfer fee, but injuries have spoiled his first season at Anfield.
There have been flashes of his quality, including the goal against Palace, but Owen does not think Liverpool will see him get close to his true level in the coming weeks.
He told Premier League Productions: “The problem is as well, though, with a long-term injury, everybody thinks, ‘Oh, he’ll be back in, you know, X time.’ It takes ages. It takes another month or two to get back up to real sharpness and fitness.
“And how many times do we see somebody that’s coming back from a long-term injury? We’ve seen it with Rodri over the last sort of few months, just starting now to see the old Rodri. Everybody that has a big injury, it takes a little while.
“And the vast majority pick up another little injury along the way when they’re coming back, a little hamstring or a little groin. You’re out two or three weeks again. It’s your muscles getting used to the rigours of it all again.
“So that’s what’s going to happen. If any Liverpool fan thought Isak would come back and then he’d be brilliant for the next six weeks of the season or the remaining games and then go and shoot the lights out in the World Cup, you’re sadly wrong.”
Isak has not just missed a few games. He has had to work his way back from a serious injury, and Liverpool have then seen another issue interrupt his rhythm almost immediately.
That does not mean there should be concern about his long-term future. It does, however, mean expectations need to be realistic.
What would you do with Curtis Jones this summer?
Liverpool have not yet seen the best of Isak, and they are unlikely to before this season ends. Next year should be the real test, and without Hugo Ekitike available, Isak will be Liverpool’s most important attacker.
- READ MORE: Arne Slot is building his own legendary Liverpool front three and it will take shape this summer
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
