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Liverpool confirm Isak's leg fracture and surgery
Liverpool announced on Tuesday that Alexander Isak has undergone successful surgery for a fractured left fibula. The Sweden international, who joined the club in September for a record £125 million, is expected to miss several months of action.
Injury details and match incident
The 26-year-old forward sustained the injury during Liverpool's 2-1 victory at Tottenham on Saturday. Isak was challenged by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven shortly after scoring, leading to visible discomfort. Medical staff assisted him off the pitch, and he was unable to continue.
Liverpool later confirmed the injury involved a fibula fracture, requiring surgical intervention. No specific recovery timeline has been provided, though initial estimates suggest a prolonged absence.
Impact on Liverpool's attacking options
Isak's injury deals a significant blow to Liverpool's attacking depth, particularly with Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The club had already been operating with limited forward options, a concern highlighted by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
"It's a huge blow because Liverpool were already short on attackers. Isak's injury couldn't have come at a worse time."
Jamie Carragher, Sky Sports
Carragher defended Van de Ven's challenge, calling it a necessary attempt to block the shot. "You can't let a striker get a clear shot away in that situation," he said. "It was just unfortunate for Isak."
Isak's struggles since joining Liverpool
The injury adds to a challenging period for Isak, who has found it difficult to settle at Anfield. After forcing a move from Newcastle in September, he trained alone at his former club, Real Sociedad, before completing his transfer on deadline day.
Isak made his Liverpool debut in a Champions League win over Atlético Madrid on 17 September and scored his first goal in a 2-1 victory against Southampton. However, his form and fitness have been inconsistent, with only three goals in 16 appearances for the club.
January transfer window implications
With Isak sidelined and Salah absent, Liverpool's attacking options are further stretched. Cody Gakpo, who has had an inconsistent season, is also recovering from injury but is expected to return next month. Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha have seen limited game time under manager Arne Slot.
Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool in the summer, has shown promise with 11 goals and will likely lead the line in Isak's absence. However, the club remains interested in bolstering their forward line, with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo a potential target. The 25-year-old Ghana international has attracted interest from Manchester City and Manchester United, among others, and has a £65 million release clause.
Speaking before Isak's injury, Slot acknowledged financial constraints, stating, "The outside world believes we have unlimited funds, but that's not the case." Liverpool spent over £415 million in the summer transfer window but recouped £187 million from sales.
Next steps for Liverpool
Slot is scheduled to address the media on Tuesday morning (09:00 GMT) and is expected to provide further updates on Isak's condition and the club's plans for the January transfer window.
