LONDON, April 2 — Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is poised to rejoin training with the ‌team this week after a prolonged absence due to a broken leg, manager Arne Slot confirmed, with his return also a ‌major boost for Sweden in the run-up to the World Cup.

The 26-year-old required surgery after breaking his leg in December while scoring Liverpool’s opening goal in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

With Sweden sealing their spot at the World Cup with a playoff win over Poland on Tuesday, Slot said things were looking up for Isak.

“I think Alex is in a really good ‌place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup yesterday ⁠evening and apart from that ⁠he’s going to train with the ⁠group again for the ⁠first time ⁠tomorrow,” Slot told club media on Wednesday.

“Of course it’s only his first session, after three or four months (out), ⁠with the team but it’s good to have him back because we all know who we signed and we’ve signed an incredible striker.

“So to have him again in a team that’s usually generating quite a lot chances — ⁠and maybe not immediately from the first moment that he can start — but to have him back ⁠for the last two months is, I think, very helpful ⁠for ⁠us.”

Liverpool, who are fifth in the Premier League, next host Fulham on Saturday.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July ‌19 in North America, with Sweden in Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia. — Reuters