Michael Owen has cast doubt on Alexander Isak’s ability to quickly rediscover his best form after returning from injury, suggesting Liverpool fans may need to temper expectations as the striker continues his recovery period.
Isak, who joined Liverpool in a record-breaking move from Newcastle, has endured a disrupted debut season at Anfield due to a series of fitness setbacks. Although he has shown flashes of his quality since returning to action, consistency has been difficult to establish due to repeated interruptions.
Speaking about the situation, Owen stressed that long-term injuries rarely allow players to immediately perform at their peak, particularly in the final stages of a season where intensity is high and recovery time is limited.
He explained that even after a player returns to the pitch, it can take weeks or even months to regain full sharpness and match rhythm.
Owen said: “It takes ages. It takes another month or two to get back up to real sharpness and fitness.”
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He continued at length: “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.”
He also highlighted the risk of further setbacks during recovery phases, pointing out that players often suffer minor injuries such as muscle strains or groin issues when returning to full intensity too quickly.
Concerns over recurring setbacks: Liverpool managing Isak carefully
Isak’s season has already been defined by stop-start momentum, with injuries repeatedly disrupting his availability just as he appeared close to full fitness.
Owen suggested that this pattern is common among players returning from significant layoffs, where the body is still adapting to the demands of competitive football.
He added that it is unrealistic to expect a fully dominant version of a returning striker immediately after a long absence, particularly in a high-intensity league like the Premier League.
Liverpool have taken a cautious approach with Isak’s reintegration into the squad, carefully managing his minutes to avoid aggravating existing issues.
Arne Slot’s side have been mindful of not rushing him back into a heavy workload, especially given his importance as a central attacking option following his arrival.
The club are aware that his long-term value outweighs short-term urgency, particularly in a season where squad depth has already been tested.
