Daily Express

Tottenham have reportedly agreed to sell winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace. But the Wales international could wreck the transfer if he decides he doesn’t want to join the Eagles.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Johnson ended the last campaign as Spurs’ top scorer after bagging 18 goals in all competitions. But he has fallen down the pecking order under Thomas Frank this term and has only started six Premier League matches. On Sunday, he came off the bench for five minutes to replace Mohammed Kudus as Tottenham overcame Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park. And he hasn’t started a match since his side’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle at the start of December.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

According to The Athletic, Palace have agreed to pay Tottenham just shy of £35million to take Johnson to Selhurst Park.

Both clubs are keen to proceed with the deal, with Palace desperately in need of reinforcements as they have UEFA Conference League commitments on top of their usual commitments domestically.

But the player is yet to decide whether he is happy to join the reigning FA Cup champions, with other clubs also said to be interested in acquiring his services.

Johnson is said to be Palace’s main transfer target in January, with Eagles boss Oliver Glasner currently struggling for numbers on the pitch.

Palace will be aiming to return to form in the coming weeks after slipping to three successive losses in the Premier League. The side are currently contending with a fixture pile-up and are in the middle of a run of nine games in the space of just 28 days.

Frank was asked about Johnson in the aftermath of Tottenham’s victory over Palace. And the Dane explained: “I think Brennan is very important for us. Maybe he didn't get many minutes, but unfortunately, we can only play 11 players.

“We spoke about it before with Mo [Kudus], he's coming in and put his stamp on that right-winger position. Then [on] the left, we tried different solutions. [He has] still started quite a few games. I think Brennan is an important player for us.”

According to talkSPORT, Bournemouth are also interested in signing Johnson, with the Dorset club set to lose star attacker Antoine Semenyo in January.

Semenyo is said to have set his sights on a move to Manchester City after starring at the Vitality Stadium since joining the Cherries from Bristol City at the start of 2023. The 25-year-old has bagged eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances this season.

Tottenham secured a narrow victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Richarlison found the back of the net just after the quarter-hour mark from Pedro Porro's low curling ball, but VAR identified that Lucas Bergvall was offside during the build-up. Tottenham's play in the first half was largely aerial, and all the pressure came from Palace with eight shots before Archie Gray scored his first senior goal against the run of play.

A deep corner from Porro was headed back by Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison flicked it on for the thrilled teenager to head into the net just before half-time. With 15 minutes remaining, Richarlison thought he had scored again when he slid home Mohammed Kudus' low cross, but a VAR check revealed he was slightly offside. Substitute Wilson Odobert hit an attempt against the left-hand post in the last 10 minutes, and Rodrigo Bentancur had a shot saved as Spurs concluded 2025 with a hard-earned win.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Here are your Tottenham player ratings from today's victory...

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Tottenham player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Despite the pressure from Palace, the Italian goalkeeper didn't have any significant saves to make and handled set pieces well when they came his way.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Pedro Porro - 7

He delivered a fantastic low curling ball for Richarlison's disallowed early goal. He struggled defensively in the first half but improved significantly as the match progressed, along with the rest of the team.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Kevin Danso - 7

He tripped Devenny early on as the Scot was charging towards the Spurs box, earning a yellow card with Palace demanding a red. Despite some shaky moments in the first half, he handled everything thrown at him in the second half and had the fans chanting his name in the final stages.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Micky van de Ven - 8

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He was solid throughout and arguably Spurs' best defender on the day, making numerous crucial touches and interceptions.

Djed Spence - 7

He attempted to push forward in the first half but played a loose pass across his own box that gave Wharton a shooting opportunity. In the second half, he was among those who greatly improved.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 7

The same message applies here. The Uruguayan seemed lost at times in the first half but fought superbly in the second half.

Archie Gray - 8

He received a yellow card for holding back Wharton in the first half. He scored his first senior goal with a close-range header towards the end of the first half.

After Bergvall's departure, he was pushed into a more attacking role, and his second driving run led to Richarlison's second disallowed goal. The fans gave him a resounding ovation when he was substituted with 10 minutes remaining.

Mohammed Kudus - 6

His performance lacked a final product until his low pass allowed Richarlison to score, only to be deemed marginally offside. He set up Richarlison again shortly after with some robust play.

Lucas Bergvall - 6

He was caught offside too easily for the early disallowed Richarlison goal. Despite working hard, some of his decision-making lacked sharpness.

He went down clutching his leg after the hour mark and immediately headed down the tunnel after being substituted.

Randal Kolo Muani - 6

Operating on the left, he demonstrated good control on the run to earn the corner from which Spurs scored. He didn't contribute much in the second half before being substituted along with Bergvall.

Richarlison - 8

He thought he had scored early in the match, only for his sliding finish to be disallowed due to Bergvall's offside. He battled up front with Spurs' long balls and assisted Gray's goal with his header.

He again believed he'd scored when he slid home Kudus' low cross but was offside by a kneecap. He took a shot at Henderson a few minutes later.

He flicked on the ball for chances for Dragusin and Odobert afterwards. Although he didn't score, he caused Palace numerous problems.

On another day, he could have ended up with two goals and several assists.

Substitutes

Joao Palhinha - 7

He made some spectacular sliding tackles and played a significant role in Spurs maintaining their lead.

Wilson Odobert - 7

He hit the base of the left-hand post with a run-on effort. A very promising late appearance against weary legs.

Radu Dragusin - n/a

His header just missed with his first touch almost 11 months after suffering that ACL injury back in January. He made some crucial contributions in the final moments.

Brennan Johnson - n/a

He immediately delivered a couple of threatening low crosses across the face of the Palace goal after coming on.

Thomas Frank isn't losing sleep over Tottenham's struggles because he's encountered similar situations throughout his managerial journey. The Dane's spell in north London has yet to ignite, with Spurs languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas and supporters growing increasingly frustrated with the team's lack of creativity and defensive frailties.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, where Tottenham ended with nine players following red cards for Xavi Simons and skipper Cristian Romero, marked five losses from Frank's last eight league matches. However, Frank has a track record of sluggish beginnings at both Brentford and Brondby, so he isn't tossing and turning over Spurs' current predicament, although he acknowledges spending considerable time pondering their situation.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"The good thing is I've always been a good sleeper, so I think that's helpful!" he said. "But of course you can feel that the thoughts are just underneath you. Sometimes we've all experienced that with work.

"They've been there a long time because there's a lot of things to sort out. We want to be successful, we want to be consistent. There's all small different bits we'd like to improve. It's completely open and transparent.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"I think it's also clear that we are searching to find a very consistent, competitive team week in, week out. When you get small setbacks and don't get the right response you try something new or you stick to it."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The 52-year-old continued: "It's normal. It's not the first time in my career I haven't found the team instantly clicks but it's coming over time. I know it will come, probably sooner rather than later."

Frank achieved success at both his previous clubs, notably guiding Brentford to the top flight and enabling them to compete beyond expectations as an established Premier League side. These are the experiences he will lean on to navigate his current challenges in north London.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"At Brondby I didn't win the first eight games and then we were unbeaten in nine," he added. "At Brentford, we lost eight out of 10 games and then were unbeaten in 10. So I am convinced we will see a similar pattern here. Im not in doubt about that, because I know how to make a competitive team.

"We will make a very competitive team here as well. I'm in no doubt of that. To make it even more complex here is the amount of games we are playing, with rotation and physical load and mental load that just impact a team and especially if it's not used to doing that week in, week out."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Whilst Tottenham broke their 17-year silverware drought by claiming the Europa League in May under Ange Postecoglou, losses became a familiar theme in the league as the club slumped to 17th place with a weakened squad, whilst the Australian prioritised European glory.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

With a string of losses this season, particularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank acknowledges that losing can become as habitual as winning.

"I definitely think there are habits that can go both ways," Frank confessed. "There are good habits and bad habits, and, of course winning is a good habit and losing is a bad habit, but underneath that is the habit of every staff member, every player.

"How you react when there are setbacks in games is something we are really working very, very hard on. That's something I also think we have dealt ok with. For example, the Brighton away game maybe the year before we would have lost, but we came back and got a 2-2 draw. That was a good example as was Bodo away.

"So there are bits that are going the right way, but we are not consistent enough to do that every third or fourth day. No matter how much I hate saying it, that's an ongoing thing we need to work on. Small bits and good habits for every player."

Tottenham have £150million available to spend during the January transfer window, according to The Sun.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo is said to be at the top of Spurs’ wish list, but they look set to miss out on him to Manchester City.

And Spurs boss Thomas Frank could therefore go back in for City winger Savinho after missing out on him in the summer.

Tottenham have also been linked with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who could cost at least £50m, with the club also said to be pursuing a left-sided centre-back.

Antoine Semenyo’s prospective transfer to Manchester City has taken a twist.

According to BBC Sport, the winger wants the move wrapped up by January 1, while Bournemouth may want him to play against Arsenal and Tottenham in the first seven days of next year.

Semenyo's release clause needs to be activated by January 10, but the player is said to be keen for a swift conclusion. Formal steps are expected in the next 48 hours.

Chelsea’s priorities during the January transfer window will be resolving the futures of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, according to The Athletic.

Sterling’s family live in London, and that remains a key consideration regarding any loan offers. The former England winger turned down a loan move abroad in the summer as he would prefer the stability and security of a permanent move.

Disasi, meanwhile, has piqued the interest of a Ligue 1 club, who have enquired about his availability.

Ruben Amorim has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo is “the future” of Manchester United. The midfielder, who hasn’t started a Premier League match this season, has been tipped to leave Old Trafford in January, but may be given more opportunities to impress in the absence of Bruno Fernandes.

“Kobbie Mainoo will have the opportunity he has all the time,” Amorim explained. “He is going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling. He just needs to wait for his chance and everything can change in football in two days.”

Arsenal are without Jurrien Timber for their clash with Brighton this afternoon, with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealing the Dutchman “felt something” during the closing stages of their Carabao Cup quarter-final victory over Crystal Palace in midweek.

Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori was forced to pull out of the starting team after feeling something in the warm-up.

Arteta, who has welcomed centre-back Gabriel back to the bench this afternoon, will be hoping Timber and Calafiori will be able to return to action as soon as possible.

Otherwise, the Spaniard may be forced to delve into the transfer market in January to bring in reinforcements.

Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow as Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is expected to see out the final six months of his contract at Selhurst Park, according to BBC Sport.

Liverpool came close to landing the centre-back in the summer, but missed out on his signature after Palace boss Oliver Glasner blocked his exit.

The England international is therefore set to leave Palace on a free transfer next year and will be able to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs from January 1.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are all said to be interested in signing the 25-year-old, with Manchester City also linked with the ace.

Liverpool are reportedly considering a January move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos as they search for a replacement for the injured Alexander Isak.

According to Caught Offside, Reds chiefs see Ramos as a potential short-term solution and could attempt to sign him on a six-month loan deal.

Liverpool are also said to admire Ivan Toney and Dusan Vlahovic, but see those players as longer-term solutions.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a reunion with their former midfielder James Garner, who has starred for Everton this season.

The 24-year-old came through the United academy and made seven first team appearances before joining Everton in the summer of 2022.

According to the Daily Mail, Garner’s name is rising up United's wish list as they look at potentially adding a midfielder next month.

Garner has just six months remaining on his Toffees contract and is viewed by the Red Devils as an affordable addition to go alongside more significant spending next summer.

Thomas Frank has yet to truly make his mark at Tottenham since his summer appointment. The Danish head coach took over from the cup-winning Ange Postecoglou in north London, but his team currently languishes in the lower reaches of the Premier League.

Spurs are positioned 14th in the top flight after 17 matches and are a mere nine points clear of the drop zone, a situation that became all too familiar last season. Frank received backing in the summer, with Mohammed Kudus joining from West Ham and Xavi Simons also being recruited from RB Leipzig. Other players such as Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani have made their way into the first team following their transfers, but just like the previous season, losses have been all too common. Express Sport examines an ideal January transfer window that could cause a stir at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Brennan Johnson sold

It is believed Spurs will have some funds available in January and the stars may align regarding a former wing target. However, it appears Brennan Johnson is on the brink of leaving Tottenham.

While the Welsh international will always be remembered by Spurs fans for his delicate touch in Bilbao, if Crystal Palace are prepared to part with £40m for his services, as suggested by reports from TEAMTalk, then it might be time to bid him farewell.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Kudus has firmly established himself as a regular starter, his audacious runs pushing Johnson out of the first-team picture. The 24-year-old hasn't been as potent in front of goal as he was last season, particularly from the left flank.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Savinho bid

Should Johnson depart, securing another versatile winger would be high on the agenda and one name stands out: Manchester City's Savinho. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the summer, but a deal failed to materialise. Instead, Savinho opted to battle for his place under Pep Guardiola, signing a two-year contract extension.

However, he has only started four Premier League matches this season. Savinho is being overshadowed by other players at City and while this didn't seem to bother the 21-year-old at the start of the season, the arrival of another star could sway him to leave. City are among several clubs reportedly interested in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

If Semenyo opts for City, Savinho's playing time could diminish further, potentially making the prospect of regular first-team action at Spurs more appealing. Given his recent contract extension, it's likely that Spurs would need to fork out around the £70million previously suggested if they wish to secure the Brazilian's services.

However, if the circumstances align favourably, he could be persuaded. A wing duo of Kudus on the right and Savinho on the left would induce nightmares in full-backs and could deter teams from doubling up on the former West Ham star.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Ivan Toney joins

While adding another dynamic winger to Frank's arsenal would offer a new dimension, one of Tottenham's main problems this season has been scoring goals. With Dominic Solanke sidelined for an indefinite period, Richarlison has risen to the challenge.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Sharing duties with Kolo Muani, the pair have performed adequately, with Richarlison leading the club's goal tally with eight in all competitions.

That's more than Viktor Gyokeres, but Micky van de Ven is just two goals shy of his total and in some matches this season he has looked miles off the pace.

Solanke was fairly prolific last year and it's expected that once fit, he'll resume his role, given we haven't really seen how he can perform under Frank.

However, if Solanke's injury worsens, action should be taken in January. Spending heavily on a new striker just over a year after signing Solanke for a potential £65m wouldn't be prudent, but a cost-effective option is clearly available to Frank.

Tottenham were previously linked with Ivan Toney before his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia and with a World Cup looming, now might be the perfect time for a reunion. Toney flourished under Frank at Brentford, so his system would naturally suit the Englishman.

At 29, he's not past his prime and despite not playing at the top level, he would undoubtedly be eager to impress in Thomas Tuchel's summer squad.

Rumours suggest he could be snapped up for £20m and although his salary might pose a challenge, taking a chance on Toney could prove fruitful.

Liverpool's Alexander Isak has spoken out following a disappointing injury during the Reds' victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Swedish international suffered a fractured leg after a tackle from Spurs' Micky van de Ven, resulting in surgery for an "ankle injury that included a fibula fracture."

Despite scoring for Liverpool after coming on as a substitute, the 26-year-old had to be removed shortly after due to the injury. Clearly in pain, Isak now faces a period of recovery away from the pitch. In an Instagram story, he said: "Gutted to be out for a while. Time to recover and support from the sideline. I will work hard to be back as soon as I possibly can. Thank you all reds and everyone else for the kind messages, it does not go unnoticed [red heart emoji] #YNWA."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Since transferring from Newcastle United to Anfield, Isak has had a challenging time, missing pre-season with a minor thigh injury and pushing for a move away from Eddie Howe's team. With only two goals and one assist in 10 Premier League games this season, plus another goal in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton, Isak has yet to score in the Champions League.

The British record signing has been plagued with fitness issues, and this is yet another significant setback. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher discussed his misfortune on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"It's a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway," Carragher said. "There's a lot been made about a lot of the challenges in the game from Tottenham players and a lot of them weren't clever. I put myself in Van de Ven's position and that's a challenge I'd probably make.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"He's trying to block it - it's just the follow through. I don't know where else anyone thinks his foot's going to go. He has to make that challenge. You can't let the striker just get a shot away in that situation.

"It's just really bad luck for Isak. It's probably one of the first glimpses we've seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has hit back at Arne Slot and mounted a robust defence of defender Micky van de Ven, after the Liverpool boss suggested that the Dutchman's tackle on Alexander Isak would inevitably cause injury. Isak suffered a broken leg following a challenge from Van de Ven, which left the Sweden striker collapsed on the turf moments after firing the ball into the back of the net in north London.

The forward was instantly substituted and now faces a period on the treatment table following an operation. Speaking at his press conference on Wednesday, Slot criticised Van de Ven's tackle and argued it was more severe than Xavi Simons' red card offence in the same match. However, Frank holds a contrasting opinion on Van de Ven's actions.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Obviously I am disagreeing," the Spurs boss replied. "In many ways, we are talking about a defender that will do everything to avoid (conceding) the goal.

"It's a transition so he is sprinting back in. There's a ball slid down in the side and he does everything he can to block that shot."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Unfortunately, Isak has planted his foot straight there which makes it look worse than it is. That would be a natural reaction for any defender. Or, put it this way, if my defender doesn't do that, I don't think they are true defenders.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"I don't see that at all. I think reckless challenges, normally, you haven't seen any from Micky, as I remember it. I see him as a very fair and competitive player. That's one thing. I also know the two players have sorted it out so that's a good sign."

Slot was less sympathetic. "It was for me a reckless challenge," he said.

"Xavi Simons [tackle on Virgil van Dijk] was completely unintentional. I don't think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that.

"The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make that tackle 10 times then 10 times there's a serious chance a player could get a serious injury."

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher doesn't believe Van de Ven's challenge on Isak ever warranted a red card. "I can't see that he's done anything that a footballer wouldn't," Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.

"I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the pitch. Players mistime tackles all the time. He's slightly late... it's not a red card. Whether it be in the penalty box, in the D, the centre circle or the other half."

With numerous Premier League giants vying for Antoine Semenyo's signature, his destination remains uncertain as the January transfer window approaches, and his club allegiances appear equally murky. The Bournemouth sensation has electrified the top flight this campaign, netting eight goals and providing three assists across 16 appearances, sparking widespread interest from top-flight heavyweights.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have all been strongly linked with the forward, though the field appears to have narrowed to just three contenders. Semenyo has reportedly rejected advances from Spurs, whilst the Gunners seem unlikely to launch a serious January bid despite the player's desire for a winter departure.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Chelsea have now entered the fray with an initial enquiry and are exploring potential deal structures.

The Blues could emerge as frontrunners following footage where Semenyo referred to Chelsea as "we" whilst recalling an iconic Didier Drogba strike.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

But this appeared to be a verbal slip-up from Semenyo, who has been photographed at the Emirates Stadium and has openly declared his support for Arsenal.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

In a 2024 interview with The Athletic, he revealed: "I am an Arsenal fan. I don't conflict the two with my job. It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it."

When questioned about whether joining the Gunners would be his dream, Semenyo responded: "Yeah, any team that plays Champions League, Europa (League) - that's the aim. I know that's not going to come with a click of my fingers, it's going to take some time.

"It's going to take goals. It's going to take a lot of consistent performances. But I've worked all my life for that and I'm just going to continue working hard. That's my mentality."

Semenyo appears to have a choice of three Champions League teams, provided they activate the £65million release clause in his contract during the first part of January. Following several standout performances, it seems the Cherries have resigned themselves to his departure, with Andoni Iraola unable to confirm otherwise.

At a press conference, he said: "At the end, in the situation, myself as a coach, I don't control. When you sign a contract, I understand both parties are happy when you sign it.

"But me as a coach, I can only tell you I hope we don't lose him, because he is very important for us. But I don't know what is going to happen."

Liverpool have a ready-made solution to fill the void left by Alexander Isak following confirmation of his injury. The Swedish striker fell victim to a hefty challenge from Micky van de Ven whilst netting Liverpool's opener against Tottenham on Saturday, forcing his withdrawal after just 11 minutes on the pitch.

Isak immediately grabbed his lower leg before limping from the field, with fears of a serious problem confirmed in Liverpool's official statement, which read: "Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday. The Liverpool striker was injured in a challenge in the process of scoring the opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur and had to be substituted.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. Isak's rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return."

After Isak's goal, Hugo Ekitike extended the Reds' lead with a superbly directed header - his fifth strike in just three Premier League outings, demonstrating his credentials to assume Liverpool's central striking role.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Slot appears satisfied with the Frenchman's displays thus far, though he remains eager to extract even more from him. The Liverpool boss said: "He still needs to get stronger, but he's already become stronger. He can score a goal, he has great footwork, dribbling skills, he has so much in his locker.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"He's adjusted to the Premier League now, the biggest thing is how he can become physically outstanding, that's what he's working on really hard.

"In the last two, three, four minutes he was very, very, very tired at Tottenham. I see this often. But there's hardly any rest for these players, I have to give them a lot of compliments. Every time they fight, fight and fight from first second to the last."

With Isak sidelined for several months, Slot's remarks take on added significance as Liverpool face four fixtures in just 12 days, beginning with Wolves.

The Reds boss is grappling with multiple fitness concerns after both Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley were forced off during the Tottenham encounter with suspected knocks. This compounds existing absences, with Cody Gakpo, Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez all currently unavailable for selection.

Addressing the injury situation, Slot revealed: "Conor will be 50/50. He's not training with us today or tomorrow. Friday we will see exactly where he is if he can be in squad. Joe won't be available, Wata won't be, Cody is a bit similar to Conor.

"Florian is okay. Just had cramp at Tottenham. In an ideal world, I could have rested him more. But he's okay."

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.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

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.