Alexander Isak is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a suspected broken leg in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Tottenham on Saturday
Liverpool are concerned that their record signing Alexander Isak could face a lengthy spell out of action after sustaining a suspected broken leg during Saturday's 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old was injured as he netted the match's first goal, landing awkwardly following a late sliding tackle from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
The challenge left the Swedish international clutching his leg in agony and unable to join in the celebrations with his team-mates. He received treatment from medical staff before limping off the pitch, replaced by Jeremie Frimpong who himself was later substituted after being struck in the face by Richarlison.
Reports indicate that an MRI scan will confirm Liverpool's worst fears that their £125m summer addition has broken his leg. Speaking immediately after the match, Reds 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."
This injury is a devastating setback for Liverpool, leaving them with only Hugo Ekitike as a fit, recognised striker with Cody Gakpo sidelined until the New Year and Mohamed Salah away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Isak has had a challenging start to his career at Anfield with just three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions but seemed to be hitting his stride after firing a composed finish past Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The British transfer fee record-holder will draw upon lessons learnt on Tyneside, where a series of injuries also threatened his start to life at a new club.
Following his move to Newcastle from La Liga side Real Sociedad, Isak managed only three outings before sustaining a thigh problem whilst representing his country. The striker went on to net 54 Premier League goals for the Magpies across just three campaigns, though he later revealed Newcastle's measured approach to his setback proved vital in enabling his successful comeback.
Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbollskanalen, Isak explained: "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 Sweden international sat out four fixtures at the tail end of October and beginning of November with a groin problem and may now face up to six months on the sidelines if scans reveal he has fractured his leg.
The responsibility now falls to his team-mates to maintain their positive momentum and reduce the intense scrutiny Isak was already facing due to his hefty price tag. Should they fail to do so, the disappointment surrounding his challenging introduction to life on Merseyside will only intensify.
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