Liverpool F.C. manager Arne Slot said on Thursday that striker Alexander Isak is in the “final stages of rehab” and could return around the end of next month as the Reds push for a Champions League spot.

The British record signing has been out of action since mid-December after suffering a fractured bone in his lower leg. The injury required ankle surgery following a sliding challenge from Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur F.C..

The 26-year-old Sweden international, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United F.C. in September for £125 million ($169 million), had begun to find his rhythm at Anfield, scoring twice in six appearances before the setback.

“Alex has been on the pitch — not in his football boots yet, but in running shoes for the first time this week,” Slot told reporters.

“The next step is work with the ball, which every player enjoys most. After that, he joins team training, and then it still takes time before you’re ready to play.

“We’re looking at something like the end of March or start of April before he’s back with the group. That doesn’t mean he’ll be ready to play immediately, let alone start.

“But it’s encouraging that the rehab is progressing well — that’s credit to him and to our medical staff.

“We all know once you’re back on the pitch things can move quickly, but these final stages of rehab can still change.”

Isak is one of five first-team players currently sidelined for Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong the closest to making a return. The right-back has been out since late last month with a hamstring injury but is expected to be available for next weekend’s home clash against West Ham United F.C..

Useful rest

Liverpool head into Sunday’s away match at Nottingham Forest F.C. after a rare week without a fixture.

“It’s nice and useful,” said Slot. “Nine out of ten of our players go away with their national teams, so for seven, eight or nine months they hardly get time off.

“It was good to have a break, although I didn’t feel I personally needed it. Last season I felt that more around this time. I’m really enjoying the work I’m doing here.”

After a sluggish start to their title defence, Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League, just three points outside the top four with 12 matches remaining.

Their upcoming schedule includes matches against three of the bottom four sides as they aim to climb into a Champions League qualification spot.

League leaders Arsenal F.C. saw their advantage trimmed to five points over second-placed Manchester City F.C. after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on Wednesday.

However, Slot insisted the result came as no surprise.

“We didn’t need yesterday to know how difficult it is to win a Premier League match,” he said. “What has made the league more enjoyable this season compared to three, four or five years ago is how competitive it has become.”