Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy absence after suffering a suspected broken leg during Saturday's victory over Tottenham. The former Newcastle marksman suffered the injury whilst scoring the opener, coming down awkwardly following a late sliding tackle from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. The challenge left the forward writhing in agony and unable to join his team-mates in celebration.
He required medical attention before limping off to make way for Jeremie Frimpong, who was himself later withdrawn after being caught by Richarlison's wayward elbow. Medical scans are expected to confirm Liverpool's worst fears that their record signing has indeed broken his leg. Such an injury would likely rule him out for a number of weeks at the very least.
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Speaking after the final whistle in north London, manager Arne Slot said: "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."
It represents a devastating blow for Liverpool, leaving them with only Hugo Ekitike as their sole available recognised striker. Cody Gakpo is sidelined until the New Year and Mohamed Salah is representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Isak had struggled to settle at Anfield, managing merely 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.
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He will draw upon experience gained at Newcastle, where a series of injuries also threatened to disrupt his career.
Following his move from Spanish side Real Sociedad, Isak managed only three outings before sustaining a thigh problem whilst on international duty. The striker would subsequently score 54 league goals for the Magpies across three seasons.
He later revealed that Newcastle's measured approach to his setback proved vital in enabling his explosive return.
Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbollskanalen, Isak reflected: "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."
Isak was sidelined for four fixtures at the end of October and beginning of November due to a groin complaint and may now be facing up to six months on the treatment table if scans confirm he has broken his leg.
The responsibility now falls on his team-mates to maintain the positive results and alleviate the intense scrutiny Isak was already facing due to his hefty price tag.
Otherwise, the frustrations surrounding his challenging start to life in Merseyside will only escalate.