Liverpool manager Arne Slot has addressed mounting speculation over the club's January transfer activity following a significant injury blow to star striker Alexander Isak.
Isak's Injury Timeline Confirmed
Alexander Isak will be sidelined for a 'couple of months' after suffering a broken leg during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham on Saturday. The 26-year-old Sweden international sustained the injury while scoring the opening goal and has since undergone surgery.
Slot confirmed the striker's absence, which is expected to see him miss approximately 15 games for the Reds. This setback comes at a challenging period, with Liverpool also missing key forward Mohamed Salah, who is away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot's Focus Remains on Available Squad
Despite the injury crisis, the Dutch coach insists his immediate attention is not on the winter transfer market. Speaking ahead of fixtures against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United, Slot emphasised the need for his current players to step up.
"My only thoughts are on the upcoming two games," Slot stated. "Two difficult ones again, two home games. I think it's a time for the players we do have available to do what they've done so many times, to roll their sleeves up, and not only our players, but our fans as well to help us."
He further highlighted the importance of squad depth and fan support during this period, redirecting focus away from potential January business.
Transfer Links and Elliott Loan Ruled Out
The injury has intensified rumours that Liverpool could enter the January transfer window for attacking reinforcements. Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has been strongly linked with a potential £65 million move to Anfield.
Semenyo, also a reported target for Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham, has a release clause that becomes active on 1 January. Interested clubs would have a brief two-week window to trigger the clause.
In a clear statement on another potential option, Slot definitively ruled out recalling Harvey Elliott from his season-long loan at Aston Villa. "No, Harvey is an Aston Villa player and he is supposed to be going there for a season," the manager said. "So, questions about him, the best thing to ask is Aston Villa."
Elliott's loan agreement includes a £30 million obligation for Villa to buy if he reaches a specified appearance threshold, a scenario that currently seems unlikely.
Mounting Absences for Crucial Fixtures
Liverpool's injury and availability issues extend beyond Isak and Salah. For the imminent clash with Wolves, the team will also be without the suspended Dominik Szoboszlai.
The availability of Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo is described as '50-50', while Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable. A victory against Wolves could propel Liverpool into the Premier League's top four, at least temporarily, with Chelsea and Aston Villa facing each other.
Slot concluded by reiterating his faith in the squad, calling for maximum effort from available players and unwavering support from the Anfield faithful to navigate this testing period.
