As the sun began to set over the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris, anticipation filled the air ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on April 8, 2026. The atmosphere was electric, with fans eager to see how their team would fare against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
In a significant development, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Alexander Isak has been named in the squad, marking his return to competitive action after a lengthy absence due to injury. Isak, who underwent surgery on a broken ankle and fibula in late December, had been sidelined since then, leaving a noticeable gap in Liverpool’s attacking lineup.
Slot expressed optimism about Isak’s fitness, stating, “He finished close to a week of team training sessions, he can play a part otherwise I wouldn’t take him.” However, he also noted that Isak would not start the match, indicating a cautious approach to reintegrating the talented forward into the team.
Isak’s journey back to the pitch has been a challenging one. After joining Liverpool from Newcastle for a British-record fee of £125 million, expectations were high. Unfortunately, his time at the club had been marred by injury, with Isak managing only 16 appearances and scoring just 3 goals prior to his injury.
His absence has been deeply felt by Liverpool, particularly as they navigate a crucial phase in the season. The team has struggled at times, and Isak’s inclusion in the 21-man squad could provide a much-needed boost to their ambitions in the Champions League.
Isak’s injury occurred during a match against Tottenham, where he was tackled by Micky van de Ven while scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 victory. Since that fateful moment, Liverpool has had to adapt without one of their key players, and the impact of his return could be pivotal.
As the match against PSG approaches, the stakes are high. Liverpool will be looking to capitalize on Isak’s fresh legs and talent, hoping he can contribute to their quest for European glory. Fans will be watching closely to see how he performs after such a long layoff.
With the Champions League knockout stages underway, every player’s contribution is vital, and Isak’s return could be the spark Liverpool needs to ignite their campaign. The football world will be keenly observing this comeback, as it could redefine the trajectory of Liverpool’s season.
