Gustav Isaksen hit by kissing disease

Gustav Isaksen’s summer in Rome has unfolded a little differently than planned. 

The Danish international and Lazio star had to withdraw from pre-season preparations just a few days after the first training session.

An infection suddenly put a stop to his participation, and it quickly emerged that he was suffering from glandular fever. 

That meant Isaksen missed a full three weeks of pre-season, which should otherwise have laid the foundation for his second season in Serie A.

While his team-mates went to Turkey for a training camp, Isaksen stayed at home in Italy. 

Here he instead carried out an individual programme with a personal trainer. 

This was necessary as the illness had sapped his physique, and his body therefore required complete rest in the initial phase. 

Glandular fever often affects the liver and spleen, and this can be particularly problematic for professional athletes.

Slowly back on the training pitch

After several weeks’ break there are now positive signs. 

According to Corriere dello Sport, Isaksen has overcome the illness and has begun rehabilitation.

He still does not take part fully in the team’s training sessions, but works at an adjusted pace with separate running drills and individual sessions at the club’s training centre in Formello.

The volume and intensity of training are assessed day by day, and the plan is for him to gradually reach the squad’s level.

In the meantime, the rest of the squad are preparing for the start of the season. 

Lazio play a friendly against Burnley in England on Saturday, and all indications are that Isaksen will not be involved in that match. 

His return is taking place under controlled conditions, where the most important thing is to avoid a relapse.

Doubt over the season opener

Although the reports from the Lazio camp are now more encouraging, it is still uncertain when Isaksen will be ready to play matches. 

It is rather doubtful that he will manage to be ready for the season opener on 24 August against Como.

Isaksen joined Lazio in August 2023 and has so far played no fewer than 86 matches for the club in his two seasons.