Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces a long-term absence after sustaining a suspected leg fracture in Saturday’s win over Tottenham. The former Newcastle marksman was injured while scoring the opening goal, going down awkwardly after a late sliding tackle from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. The challenge left the forward struggling in agony and unable to join his teammates in celebration.
He required medical attention before limping off to make way for Jeremy Frimpong, who himself later withdrew after being grabbed by Richarlison’s wayward elbow. Medical scans are expected to confirm Liverpool’s worst fears that the record signing may have actually broken his leg. An injury like this would likely sideline him for at least a few weeks.
“It’s hard to know exactly what he’s capable of, but it’s never good when he collides with a defender after a goal. I hope he’s fine, but we’ll have to wait and see,” coach Arne Slott said after the final whistle in north London.
This was a devastating blow for Liverpool, leaving Hugo Ekitike as the only striker allowed. Kodi Gakpo will be sidelined until the new year, while Mohamed Salah will represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Isak struggled to establish himself at Anfield, scoring just three goals in 16 games across all competitions, but appeared to be finding his rhythm with a fine finish past Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
He will draw on the experience he gained at Newcastle, where a series of injuries threatened to interrupt his career.
After joining from Spain’s Real Sociedad, Isak only featured in three games before picking up a thigh problem during an international match. The striker then went on to score 54 league goals over three seasons with the Magpies.
He later revealed that Newcastle’s cautious approach to his setback proved essential in allowing his explosive return.
In an interview with Swedish publication Fotbollskanalen, Isak recalled, “I injured my thigh. The first six months at the club were tough and it took me a while to come back from the injury, but I was still okay because I still played three games and showed a little bit.”
“After that, the team treated me so well that the pressure was off and I was able to focus on my rehabilitation without thinking that the team needed me. It got a little bit easier, but obviously it wasn’t easy.”
Isak missed four games between late October and early November due to groin pain and could spend up to six months in the hospital if scans confirm a broken leg.
The onus is on his teammates to maintain a positive result and alleviate the intense scrutiny Isak already faced due to his high price tag.
Otherwise, his frustration with his difficult start to life on Merseyside will escalate further.
