Slot calls for patience with Isak as he rejoins Liverpool training

Alexander Isak is set to rejoin Liverpool's training sessions on Friday, just before their upcoming clash with Manchester City, though head coach Arne Slot is asking fans to be patient with the team's high-profile acquisition.

The forward joined from Newcastle in September for a UK record transfer amounting to £125 million ($164 million), yet he has been sidelined since his halftime withdrawal during the Champions League victory over Frankfurt last month.

"Today marks his first team training in three weeks," Slot explained during his Friday press briefing ahead of the game.

"Three weeks back, I mentioned that his preseason period was over, so we now need to assess his current condition.

"However, I must retract that slightly, as three weeks focused solely on rehabilitation will not restore him to the form he showed before the injury."

The Sweden star has featured in only eight matches for Liverpool since his deadline-day move to Anfield and has still to net in the Premier League.

At 26 years old, Slot indicated that Isak requires additional time to regain full match readiness.

"Rehab exercises cannot match the intensity of actual matches or group training," the Dutch coach remarked.

"No matter how closely we simulate it, that is just not feasible. Therefore, I urge everyone to allow him that necessary period."

Slot further noted that he anticipates goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be ready to return right after the international break following the City encounter.

Over the last ten years, Manchester City and Liverpool have led the way in English football, but this season they trail Arsenal, who hold a six-point lead over Guardiola's side in second spot.

Liverpool, the defending champions, sit one point adrift of City after their recent victory against Aston Villa halted a streak of four defeats.