‘We can judge him fairly now’ – Arne Slot hails Swedish-Eritrean striker Alexander Isak’s return to full fitness

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has declared that Alexander Isak has finally regained his full fitness, insisting that the Swedish striker can now be judged in a fair way.

His statement comes ahead of Liverpool’s highly anticipated Premier League showdown with Manchester United on Sunday — a fixture that has long defined English football rivalries.

Isak, who was born in Sweden to Eritrean parents, has endured a stop-start campaign after missing pre-season training with Newcastle United earlier this year.

The £125 million forward has since struggled for consistency, registering just one goal in six appearances across all competitions.

But Slot believes the 25-year-old is now back to his sharpest form following several weeks of intensive training.

“Now he has had his five, six weeks of pre-season which is normal for every player, especially if you have been out for three or four months,” Slot told reporters on Friday.

“Fitness-wise he is close to the level he should be and we can judge him in a fair way from now on.”

The Liverpool boss also noted that Isak’s recent performances for Sweden should not be judged harshly, suggesting that match rhythm was the missing ingredient.

“I know how this industry works. If he plays for Sweden twice and doesn’t score, that’s not what you’re hoping for. But his pre-season has finished now.

“He has played a few games, 70, 80, 90 minutes, so let’s see where he is in the upcoming weeks,” Slot added.

Liverpool and Manchester United have met 243 times in all competitions, with United holding a slight edge in victories.

Their Premier League record alone stands at 29 wins for United and 20 for Liverpool.

As both sides renew hostilities this weekend, Slot will be hoping Isak’s renewed sharpness can make the difference in front of a packed Anfield crowd.

With Liverpool eyeing a return to the top of the table — dependent on Arsenal’s result against Fulham — Isak’s resurgence could not have come at a better time.