Liverpool have been dealt a severe injury blow after scans confirmed star striker Alexander Isak suffered a fracture in his left leg, requiring immediate surgery.
Successful Surgery Confirms Lengthy Layoff
The 26-year-old Swedish international underwent a successful operation on Monday to reset the bone in his lower leg. The club has confirmed there is no fixed timeline for his return, but such injuries typically require a minimum recovery period of 12 weeks. This timeline suggests Isak could be targeting a comeback around the international break in March, potentially keeping him out until spring.
The injury occurred during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Isak was hurt following a challenge from Spurs defender Mickey Van de Ven, shortly after scoring his second league goal for the club. Initial fears of a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury were quickly ruled out, but Sunday's MRI scan revealed the significant fracture.
A Costly Setback for Club and Player
This development represents the most serious in a string of setbacks for Isak since his £125 million move from Newcastle United to Merseyside last September – a record transfer fee for a British club. He arrived lacking match fitness, struggled to make an initial impact, and then suffered a groin problem against Eintracht Frankfurt.
His goal against West Ham last month marked his first in the Premier League for Liverpool, and his strike against Tottenham was seen as a demonstration of the quality that prompted the club's massive investment. In total, he has scored three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Liverpool's Attacking Depth Stretched
The timing of Isak's injury could hardly be worse for manager Arne Slot. The squad is already without talisman Mohamed Salah, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. This leaves Hugo Ekitike as the only fit senior centre-forward available for selection in the coming crucial months.
Speaking about the injury after the Tottenham match, Slot said: 'We will have to wait and see. But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to get back on the pitch, that's usually not a good sign.' The club has stated it will not rush Isak's rehabilitation, prioritising a full recovery over a swift return.
