The Swedish international suffered a suspected broken leg in Liverpool's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
Liverpool fear record signing Alexander Isak is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a suspected broken leg in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old was injured as he scored the game’s opening goal, landing awkwardly after a late sliding challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
The tackle left the Swede clutching his leg in pain and unable to celebrate with his team-mates. He was treated by medical staff before hobbling off to be replaced by Jeremie Frimpong, who himself was later substituted after being caught by a stray arm from Richarlison.
Reports suggest an MRI scan will confirm Liverpool’s worst fears that their £125m summer signing has broken his leg. Speaking immediately after the game, Refs boss 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.”
The injury is a crushing blow for Liverpool, leaving the club with just Hugo Ekitike as a fit, recognised striker with, Cody Gakpo out until the New Year and Mohamed Salah away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Isak has endured a difficult start to life at Anfield with just three goals across 16 appearances in all competitions but appeared to be finally finding form after rifling a composed finish past Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The British transfer fee record-holder will lean on experience gained at Tyneside, where a string of injuries also threatened to derail life at a new club.
After joining Newcastle from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad, Isak managed just three appearances before picking up a thigh injury while on international duty. The forward would go on to score 54 Premier League goals for the Magpies in just three seasons, but later said Newcastle’s patient response to his knock was crucial in allowing him to return firing on all cylinders.
In an interview with Swedish media outfit Fotbollskanalen, Isak said: “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 missed four matches at the end of October and start of November with a groin injury and could now face up to six months out of action if scans confirm that he has broken his leg.
The onus is now on his team-mates to keep the good results coming and ease the intense spotlight Isak was already under as a result of his price tag. Otherwise the frustrations surrounding his tricky start to life on Merseyside will only grow bigger.