Liverpool's £125m record signing Alexander Isak suffered a suspected broken leg whilst scoring in Saturday's 2-1 win at Tottenham, but his previous injury experience at Newcastle could provide insight
Liverpool is bracing itself for record signing Alexander Isak to face a lengthy period out of action after sustaining a suspected broken leg during Saturday's 2-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur.
The 26 year old picked up the injury whilst netting the opener, coming down awkwardly following a late sliding tackle from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. The challenge left the Swedish striker grasping his leg in agony and unable to join his teammates in celebration. Medical personnel attended to him before he limped off to make way for Jeremie Frimpong, who was himself later withdrawn after being caught by a wayward arm from Richarlison.
Initial reports indicate that an MRI scan will likely confirm Liverpool's deepest concerns that its record summer acquisition has indeed fractured his leg. Speaking directly after the match, Reds manager Arne Slot commented: "It's difficult to know what he exactly has. But it's never a nice thing that after the goal he collided with their defender. Hopefully he's fine, but we have to wait and see."
The setback represents a devastating blow for Liverpool, leaving the club with only Hugo Ekitike as a fit, recognised forward, with Cody Gakpo sidelined until the New Year and Mohamed Salah away representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Isak has struggled to settle into life at Anfield, managing just three goals in 16 outings across all competitions, but seemed to be discovering his rhythm after dispatching a clinical finish beyond Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The British transfer fee record-holder will draw upon experience gained at St James' Park, where a series of injuries similarly threatened to disrupt his settling-in period at a new club, reports the Mirror.
Following his move to Newcastle from La Liga side Real Sociedad, Isak managed only three outings before sustaining a thigh problem whilst on international duty.
The striker would subsequently net 54 Premier League goals for the Magpies across just three campaigns, though he later credited Newcastle's patient approach to his setback as vital in enabling his explosive return to form.
Speaking to Swedish media outlet Fotbollskanalen, Isak revealed: "I got a thigh injury. The first six months at the club were tough and it took some time to come back from the injury, but it was still okay because I still got to play three games and show a bit.
"Then the team did so well that it took the pressure off me and I could focus on my rehab instead of thinking the team needed me. It helped a bit, but it's clear it wasn't easy."
The Swedish international was sidelined for four fixtures at the end of October and beginning of November due to a groin complaint and could now be facing up to six months on the treatment table if scans confirm he has fractured his leg.
The responsibility now falls on his team-mates to maintain the positive results and alleviate the immense pressure Isak is facing due to his hefty price tag.