Liverpool handed welcome boost as Alexander Isak returns to squad after 15-week layoff for PSG clash

Alexander Isak has been named in the Liverpool squad for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final at Paris Saint-Germain, marking his return after 15 weeks on the sidelines.

His inclusion offers a much-needed boost for Arne Slot’s struggling side.

The 26-year-old striker has struggled to justify his eye-watering £125million price tag since his acrimonious deadline-day switch from Newcastle.

He has managed only 16 appearances for Liverpool, battling fitness issues and minor injuries before a significant setback in December.

The Sweden international sustained his injury in a tackle by Micky van de Ven while scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 victory against Tottenham. This necessitated surgery on an ankle injury, including a fibula fracture, and his absence has been keenly felt.

Pressure is mounting on the Dutch manager and his team after a series of concerning recent performances.

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Isak has not played since picking up an injury against Tottenham in December (AFP/Getty)

These were compounded by Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 loss at Manchester City as the Reds crashed out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Isak returned to team training last Thursday and worked with his teammates on Tuesday morning before jetting off to France, confirming his availability for the crucial European fixture.

Liverpool’s encounter with PSG is a rematch of last year’s battle between the two sides in the round of 16.

Liverpool won in Paris 1-0 thanks to a late Harvey Elliott goal, but PSG levelled the tie through Ousmane Dembele at Anfield and won the subsequent penalty shootout to progress to the quarter-finals.

Luis Enrique’s men went on to see off two more Premier League opponents, Aston Villa and Arsenal, to reach the final.

They then thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in a one-sided final in Munich to claim their first Champions League trophy ever.