Sports Mole

Liverpool have confirmed that record signing Alexander Isak successfully underwent surgery on Monday following a serious injury sustained during the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sweden international suffered an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture in the act of scoring the opening goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The incident occurred in the 56th minute after a challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, leaving the striker unable to celebrate his clinical finish.

Arne Slot soon withdrew a distraught Isak, and the Reds' worst fears have now been realised.

Alexander Isak injury: Liverpool confirm fans' worst fears

While the operation was a success, the club has placed no specific timeframe on his return to action.

"Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday," the club statement read.

"The Liverpool striker was injured in a challenge in the process of scoring the opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur and had to be substituted.

"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."

Isak has endured a frustrating stop-start debut season at Anfield, where he has yet to sparkle and show the form that made the defending Premier League champions pay a record £125m fee to Newcastle United.

The Swede's goal against Spurs was his third of the season after 16 appearances in all competitions, having scored 27 in 42 appearances for the Magpies in the 2024-25 season.

Alexander Isak injury: How do Liverpool replace injured forward?

Despite Liverpool's summer business, there was a feeling that the Reds were thin in certain areas.

While Hugo Ekitike has been money well spent for Slot's team, their options in attacking areas are spread thin without Isak.

Since Mohamed Salah is currently on international duty with Egypt, for whom he scored in the Pharaohs' Africa Cup of Nations opening match on Monday, the forward could be absent for the next month, and his future at Anfield thereafter remains uncertain.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who reportedly has a £65m release clause under certain conditions.

While not an out-and-out striker like Isak, the Ghana international has Premier League experience and potentially adds necessary quality and depth to the Reds' attack, which has looked desperately lacking in recent weeks as injuries have hit.

With Slot not seemingly trusting Federico Chiesa to start in the league or Champions League, a player of Semenyo's profile undoubtedly adds to the Reds' options.

One unconventional option could be recalling Harvey Elliott to the club following limited minutes at Aston Villa.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson is reported to be a target for both Brentford and Ipswich Town, as well as Crystal Palace.

Spurs will be looking at the January transfer window as an opportunity to address their problems given their position in the Premier League, with the club 13th in the table with just 22 points after 17 matchweeks.

The team's 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on Saturday has fuelled supporters' concerns that the playing squad is not strong enough to qualify for the Champions League.

It would not be surprising if Thomas Frank targeted the upcoming January window as a period in which to revamp his squad, something that could include a number of exits.

Winger Johnson has been linked with an exit, and Football Insider report that teams such as Brentford and Ipswich have joined the race for the Welshman's signature.

Brennan Johnson exit: Why is Tottenham's attack so dysfunctional?

Johnson was the hero when he scored the winning goal in the Europa League final last season, but the forward has frequently been linked with an exit in recent weeks.

The forward has scored twice in 15 Premier League appearances this season, and once in four Champions League matches, but he is not the only attacker to have struggled under Frank.

Mohammed Kudus has only scored two goals in the top flight, while Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert have netted just five times between them in the Premier League.

Frank has been criticised for his playing style, with detractors arguing that his defensive approach has not helped platform his forwards.

The head coach experienced success with Brentford while using a pragmatic style, but it has so far not been effective against deep blocks.

Should Thomas Frank be sacked before the January transfer window?

While dismissing Frank so soon into his tenure would be seen as premature by some, the club's hierarchy must make sure they believe in the Dane's vision before sanctioning further deals.

Signing players that are suited to Frank's system could be detrimental to Tottenham's long-term future if they choose to dismiss him further down the line.

The fact he has so far been unable to get more from summer signings like Simons and Kudus is concerning, and adding more attackers to the squad might not solve systemic issues.

Liverpool are less active in the market for Antoine Semenyo than other interested rivals, the latest report has claimed.

The Reds may have beaten Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Saturday in the Premier League, but the victory was not without setbacks, with striker Alexander Isak forced off due to injury.

While he did not require a stretcher when leaving the field, Liverpool are reportedly fearful that Isak has suffered significant damage to his lower leg.

The Swede's injury has prompted sections of the fanbase to ask for reinforcements in January, with Bournemouth winger Semenyo touted as a potential signing.

However, while GiveMeSport claim that a move to Anfield cannot be ruled out, a transfer to Arne Slot's side is looking less likely than it did in November.

January transfer window: Why Liverpool must sign an attacker

Isak could be set for a significant period on the sidelines, and his injury has left Slot with few options in the forward line.

Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at AFCON, while Cody Gakpo is currently dealing with a muscle problem.

Slot's only senior options up front are Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, though the head coach has shown little inclination to utilise the latter.

Though Gakpo could return in the coming weeks, it should be noted that Salah's future at Anfield is far from certain after falling out with the Dutch boss.

While Semenyo may be coveted by a number of rivals in the Premier League, failure to make an addition in the forward line would almost certainly prove costly.

Can Liverpool qualify for the Champions League?

It should be noted that Liverpool currently only have two senior centre-backs available following Joe Gomez's injury against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

Slot also started all five of his available midfielders against Tottenham, and it would be a surprise if the squad was able to manage the rest of the season without further reinforcements.

Liverpool are level on 29 points with fourth-placed Chelsea, but the Blues' squad is not stretched as thin, and the Londoners are likely to make signings in January.

The Reds arguably need multiple additions in the winter, as they otherwise risk missing out on Champions League football.

Liverpool will be keeping an eye on the future of Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso amid uncertainty regarding Arne Slot, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed.

The Merseysiders emerged as 2-1 winners against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in the Premier League, but their performance against 10 and nine-man Spurs was concerning, with the Londoners often looking more likely to score.

It is not surprising that Slot's position as head coach has come under scrutiny, especially as Real boss Alonso could soon be available given he is reportedly teetering on the edge of being sacked.

Lynch insisted that the club will be paying attention to the future of the Real boss, telling Sports Mole: "It's definitely something they'll be keeping an eye because they know that they're heading into the summer and they might need to be in the managerial market.

"I've no doubt that Xabi Alonso, who they very much liked initially but he didn't want to leave in that moment, would be someone who'd be on their short list.

"They'll be keeping an eye on what's happening with Xabi Alonso because he's someone they like, so I don't think Arne Slot has got himself completely out of the woods."

The Real Madrid manager may not be willing to step into the Anfield dugout immediately if he was sacked, so perhaps the Reds will be forced to wait until the end of the campaign to replace Slot with the Spaniard.

Has Arne Slot been lucky with Liverpool?

While fans are keen for Slot to turn Liverpool's fortunes around, many have come to accept that a dismissal may be inevitable, particularly as the club are already 10 points behind first-placed Arsenal.

There is an argument that one of the reasons that the Dutchman is still in charge of the Reds is that a suitable candidate has not yet emerged, and replacing him with a permanent appointment now could be risky.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch argued that Slot has benefitted from the lack of currently available options, saying: "That's one of the things that has worked in Arne Slot's favour, especially when Liverpool were on that losing run.

"There wasn't a standout candidate out there as far as the club were concerned. If Xabi Alonso was available at that moment, maybe he would have come, but I think he would like a break if he does get sacked by Real Madrid.

Other managerial candidates such as Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola could be brought to Anfield in the summer given their contracts with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth are set to expire at the end of 2025-26.

Will Arne Slot last the 2025-26 Premier League season?

Liverpool are currently fifth in the Premier League with 29 points, level with fourth-placed Chelsea, though many were expecting the club to compete for the title after a summer spending spree of roughly £450m.

It should be noted that the Reds are undefeated in their last six games, winning on four occasions, with the team winning each of their past three matches.

Lynch was keen for performances to improve, but he did emphasise the importance of results, when he told Sports Mole: "He's given himself a chance of still being there at the end of the season because of this run.

"It was approaching an untenable point with nine defeats in 12. Liverpool wouldn't have wanted to act, but they were almost forced to because you know it was only going in one direction. You've got to give huge credit to the manager for stopping the rot.

"He's still got to find that balance between defence and attack, and that's the key task for him next. In terms of results and an uptick in certain aspects of Liverpool's performances, you can say in the short term he's managed to save his job."

Liverpool have a favourable next period of fixtures, with games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Fulham to come, so Slot has a strong chance of extending the Merseysiders' unbeaten streak.

Antoine Semenyo's preference for a January transfer move has reportedly been revealed as four clubs strive to sign him from Bournemouth next month.

The Ghana international was on target once again in Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley, scoring in back-to-back top-flight games after his strike in Monday's sensational 4-4 stalemate with Manchester United.

Semenyo's effort in the clash with the Red Devils snapped a seven-game sequence with a goal or assist in the league for the 25-year-old, who is just starting to hit form again with the January window around the corner.

The former Bristol City man is understood to possess a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract, meaning that the Cherries will be powerless to let him depart in January if a suitor stumps up that fee.

Manchester City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are considered the four main contenders for Semenyo's signature next month, with Arsenal only watching from afar and Chelsea deciding against a swoop.

Antoine Semenyo preference 'revealed' amid Man Utd, City, Liverpool links

© Imago / Sportimage

Now, The Guardian have revealed Semenyo's first and second choice for a winter move, and the attacker's preference would supposedly be a switch to Liverpool.

The reigning Premier League champions will be missing Mohamed Salah for the next few weeks while he represents Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, but there is a slim chance that he has already played his final game for the club.

Salah has been cut from Arne Slot's starting XI amid a high-profile rift between himself, the manager and the club, and clubs from the Saudi Pro League and one Big Five European league could try to prise him away from Anfield in January.

Regardless, the 33-year-old will soon enter the final 18 months of his deal and has failed to replicate his astounding output from 2024-25, so Slot has apparently identified Semenyo as the perfect long-term successor for the Golden Boot winner.

Antoine Semenyo favours Liverpool transfer as 'second choice' revealed

Whether Semenyo gets his Merseyside wish remains to be seen, as Liverpool spent an unprecedented £450m in the summer transfer window and will have to be cautious with their cash-splashing in January.

Furthermore, there is only thought to be a wafer-thin chance of Salah departing midway through the season, and any move for Semenyo may directly hinge on the Egypt international's future.

If the Reds ultimately decide against triggering the £65m clause, the report adds that Man City would be Semenyo's second choice, and contact has already been made between the Sky Blues and his agents.

Alexander Isak is suspected to have suffered a lower leg injury rather than sustaining damage to his knee, the latest report has claimed.

Liverpool claimed three points on Saturday afternoon, when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in London, a win that moved them to fifth in the Premier League.

Striker Isak scored his second league goal of the season after coming on as a second-half substitute, but a tackle from Micky van de Ven when he scored forced him off.

Reds boss Arne Slot told reporters after the match that he was fearful of the type of injury the striker picked up, saying: "I don’t have any news on him but if a player scores, gets injured and doesn’t come back on the pitch or doesn’t try to come back, it’s usually not a good thing.

"I cannot say anything more than that. That is just a gut feeling and nothing more than that. Nothing medical to say about it."

The Athletic have now reported that Isak will undergo a scan to learn the extent of the damage he suffered, but he is thought to have avoided a knee injury, and has instead suffered a suspected lower leg injury.

How long will Alexander Isak miss after injury?

A knee injury could have sidelined the Swedish forward for the better part of a year, but while there are hopes he has avoided damage to his ACL, he could still have damaged ligaments in his ankle.

The most severe ankle injuries involve a complete tear or rupture of one or more ligaments, and that would require a minimum of two to three months out.

Recovery time could increase if surgery is required, while rehabilitation may become more complicated if any bones or tendons have been impacted.

If Liverpool are lucky and he has avoided a Grade 3 setback, then he may have suffered a Grade 2 injury, which would see him miss three to six weeks of action.

Could Liverpool be forced to act in the January transfer window?

Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are now the club's only senior forward options available to Slot, though Cody Gakpo could return in early January from a muscle injury.

Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, and with his future at Anfield far from certain, the Reds are at risk of heading into the second half of the season understaffed up front.

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been consistently linked with a move to Anfield, and a transfer in January may have to become a priority.

The winger can play on either flank, and he is capable of playing in a more central position, so it could be sensible to bring him to the club.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Xavi Simons will soon find himself on the naughty step following his red card against Liverpool in Saturday's Premier League clash.

The Netherlands international was unsurprisingly named in Thomas Frank's starting XI for the battle with the Reds, having shown signs of improvement in recent weeks following a slow start to life in England.

Simons carried the fight to the champions in the opening 30 minutes, but the former RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain attacker was then given his marching orders midway through the first half.

Simons was penalised for a mistimed challenge on Liverpool captain and international teammate Virgil van Dijk, raking his studs down the back of the defender's Achilles, although referee John Brooks did not brandish the red card straight away.

However, the official was then sent to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, and following a closer look, he brandished the red card for the playmaker.

Tottenham games Xavi Simons will miss after Liverpool red card

Brooks explained to the crowd that Simons caught Van Dijk on the calf with his studs, a tackle that amounted to serious foul play and a straight red card.

Unlike sending-offs for two bookable offences or denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, serious foul play carries a three-game ban, so Simons will be unavailable to Tottenham until January 7.

The Dutchman begins his three-match suspension against Crystal Palace in next Sunday's London derby, before also sitting out the all-capital clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year's Day.

Simons will then complete his suspension against Sunderland on January 4, before making his return to action in Spurs' trip to Bournemouth three days later.

The 22-year-old was making his 22nd appearance for Tottenham in all competitions on Sunday, but he has only managed two goals and three assists for the Europa League winners since his big-money switch in the summer.

How can Tottenham replace suspended Xavi Simons?

Tottenham were already in a creative crisis with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison sidelined with knee injuries, and Simons's absence deprives the Lilywhites of yet another inventive and versatile option.

The Netherlands international was shifted across to the left-hand side on Saturday after featuring in a central attacking role against Nottingham Forest, but Frank still has a handful of alternatives in attack.

All of Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel can function on the left flank for Tottenham, while Lucas Bergvall is the next best thing in the number 10 position while Kulusevski and Maddison are missing.

Pape Sarr representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations complicates central matters further for Tottenham, who were already struggling to generate clear-cut chances before losing yet another playmaker, so the festive period is unlikely to be a fun one for an already under-pressure Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have confirmed their starting lineups for Saturday's Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The evening showdown in North London marks the Reds' first game since Mohamed Salah departed for the Africa Cup of Nations, and his recent replacement - Dominik Szoboszlai - was a doubt before kickoff due to an ankle injury.

The Hungary international sustained the issue in last weekend's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, but he has been passed fit to take his place in Arne Slot's starting lineup.

The Liverpool head coach is therefore able to put out a near-identical XI from the victory over Brighton, as Hugo Ekitike continues up front over Alexander Isak following his brace against the Seagulls.

Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch continue in the central areas once more, and the visitors' only change comes at right-back, as Conor Bradley returns from suspension to replace the injured Joe Gomez.

Jeremie Frimpong is back on the bench after spending over two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, but Federico Chiesa is kept waiting for a starting slot.

Spurs vs. Liverpool: Thomas Frank makes one change as defender returns

Likewise, Spurs boss Thomas Frank has also made just the one change to the team that were decimated 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last weekend.

The Lilywhites came into Saturday's game with an identical squad from their trip to Nottinghamshire, and despite the manner of that alarming performance, Frank has kept faith with 10 starters from that game.

The solitary change sees Lucas Bergvall come into the XI in place of Richarlison, who drops to the bench as Randal Kolo Muani shifts to a central striking role.

Richarlison's demotion also means that Xavi Simons will seemingly occupy the left-wing position, with Bergvall operating ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray, who is retained after his fatal mistake against Forest.

There is also a notable name on the bench for Tottenham, as centre-back Radu Dragusin makes his return to the matchday squad for the first time since suffering an ACL injury in January.

Liverpool can move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League table with a win, but a victory for Spurs will take them to within just one point of the holders.

Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Simons; Kolo Muani

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Richarlison, Tel, Johnson, Odobert, Davies

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike

Subs: Mamardashvili, Isak, Chiesa, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ramsay, Ngumoha, Lucky

AFC Bournemouth have reportedly earmarked Tottenham Hotspur attacker Brennan Johnson as an ideal candidate to replace Antoine Semenyo, who is likely to leave in January.

The Lilywhites are expected to be one of three main contenders, along with Manchester clubs and Liverpool, to sign Semenyo in the January transfer window.

Due to a £65m release clause in Semenyo's Bournemouth contract, the Cherries are powerless to prevent him from leaving if any potential suitor triggers the release clause.

Spurs are reportedly ready to shatter their wage structure to sign Semenyo, who has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances for Bournemouth this season.

Bournemouth eye move for Johnson?

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Bournemouth sources have confirmed that Semenyo will leave the club in January, and Johnson has emerged as a potential replacement.

The Cherries reportedly have a list of around half a dozen options they are actively considering to replace Semenyo, and Johnson is among them.

The South Coast Club have reportedly discussed signing Johnson internally, who is now deemed surplus to requirements by Thomas Frank at the north London club.

Bournemouth, however, could reportedly face competition from Premier League rival Crystal Palace, which are also eyeing a move for Johnson.

Curious case of Johnson at Spurs

The 24-year-old was the club's top scorer last season and netted in the Europa League final, but he has struggled to cement his position under Frank.

The likes of Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison are all ahead of Johnson in the pecking order at Spurs, and therefore, the north London club might be tempted to cash in on him at the right price.

The Wales attacker is also likely to further lose his place in the side when Dejan Kulusevski returns after a long-term injury in the new year.

Tottenham paid £47.5m to sign Johnson from Nottingham Forest in 2023, and Spurs should be aiming to recoup the money they spent on him.

If Bournemouth are genuinely interested in Johnson, it could work perfectly for them to secure a swap deal agreement to bring Semenyo to the north London club.

Liverpool will only be able to catch Arsenal in the Premier League title race if they start to play consistently at their highest level, starting against Tottenham Hotspur, Reds expert David Lynch has insisted.

Arne Slot's side are set to travel to London, where they will face Tottenham on Saturday, and a win could see them end the afternoon in the top four.

The Merseysiders are currently two points from fourth-placed Chelsea, but while the gap to first-placed Arsenal stands at 10 points, fans have started to look up the table now that the club are unbeaten in their past five games.

Lynch was sceptical about the Reds' ability to find the consistency needed to mount a title charge, but argued that Arsenal are flawed enough to be caught, when he told Sports Mole: "That gap is closeable, and it's not completely crazy to say that it's possible to overtake them.

"The reason Liverpool are out of the title race at the moment is their performances, as while we have seen a slight uptick, there's a lot of dour football. They were a bit miserable to watch, and yet still threw the game against Leeds, and Sunderland wasn't a great point at home.

"If they suddenly started playing to their potential then maybe. Arsenal are catchable because what you're seeing at the moment is them going through a period where their difficulties creating from open play are starting to bite them. If I was an Arsenal supporter, I'd be looking over my shoulder at Manchester City."

Arsenal have drawn two, lost one and won three of their past six matches in the Premier League, and any dropped points on Saturday against Everton could open up the possibility of Liverpool getting a foothold in the title race.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool preview: Why Slot has to win

Spurs come into the weekend's clash having suffered four defeats in their seven most recent top-flight fixtures, claiming victory just once in that period.

Boss Thomas Frank is under sever pressure, especially as his relationship with fans has become increasingly strained.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch labelled Liverpool as strong favourites, saying: "Spurs have been particularly bad at home, so even if it's an away game for Liverpool, there's no real excuse despite it looking like a tough one on paper.

"Tottenham away in any season would typically be a difficult game, but it just isn't at the moment, and the form that they're showing means there's real pressure on the manager. If they can get an early goal, things could turn toxic in the stadium.

"Liverpool have corrected their own form a little bit as well, and while they shouldn't be going there confident and flying, they should certainly feel like they're the better side of the two."

Spurs only produced one shot on target when they lost 3-0 against Nottingham Forest last weekend, and a similar performance in the final third on Saturday would boost Liverpool's chances of victory.

Liverpool team news: Will Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike start?

Now that Mohamed Salah is no longer part of the Liverpool squad due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, Slot's options up front are limited.

Cody Gakpo is unavailable because of injury, and his absence means the club only have three senior forwards to choose from up front.

Lynch was in favour of starting both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike together in a front two, telling Sports Mole: "I'd like to see two up top as a minimum against Spurs.

"Sticking with that diamond midfield, or a flat 4-4-2 which we have seen from time to time, is the way to go. It makes Liverpool solid and it gets your best attackers on the pitch, with Isak and Ekitike alongside each other if possible.

"I love the idea of Wirtz at the tip of a diamond. He seems to be a really good fit for that role, and he is really starting to come into form. With Salah away and Gakpo injured, you're not necessarily tied to a system with wingers, so get your best players out there."

Slot has experimented with a diamond midfield in recent matches, with a combination of forwards playing together in the frontline, and he is likely to deploy a similar system on Saturday.