Newcastle United supporters are enjoying every moment of Alexander Isak’s struggles at Liverpool.
An injury expert believes Alexander Isak may need to go “under the knife” to resolve his long-standing groin injury.
Newcastle United supporters warned Liverpool of the Swede’s regularity on the treatment table during the summer-long transfer saga. Half of Isak’s six injuries during his three years at St James’ Park were in the groin area.
Many felt as though the 26-year-old was carrying a knock during the latter stages of last season. It is perhaps no surprise that Toon fans are now enjoying every minute of Isak’s demise at Anfield.
Alexander Isak struggles
The former Toon favourite - now detested across Tyneside - has just one Carabao Cup goal from his eight appearances at Liverpool. His refusal to train or play for Newcastle has clearly affected his performances and fitness levels, with Sweden also set to miss out on next year’s World Cup.
Isak was hooked a week ago at half-time as the Reds beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Unsurprisingly, he suffered a groin setback and no timeline has been given on his return.
Surgery claims emerge
In worrying news for Liverpool, Ben Dinnery, an injury specialist, has suggested he may require surgery. He told the Liverpool Echo: “With Isak, I might have even had an interview earlier this year or last year about the possibility of discussions being had behind the scenes about how best to manage Alexander Isak.
"Is there maybe a need to go under the knife? There will be a point where they look at that and discuss. Surgical intervention is primarily taken for two reasons. One is to minimise or mitigate the risk of re-injury so you’re hoping to stop that. Secondly, is to free the player up so they’re returning to those pre-injury levels.
“Now, of course, there is never a 100 per cent success rate guarantee with these surgeries so that’s why it’s not a decision that is taken lightly. The Isak situation, we know that it’s very minor, more of a niggle, but he is being managed.
“You’ve got the form of (Hugo) Ekitike and Isak’s coming off the back of a heavily disrupted pre-season programme. That forms a cornerstone for any player for their upcoming campaign. The more sessions and games that you miss during that block, the higher risk you are of picking up an injury.
"Again, it comes as no surprise that Isak’s going to pick up one or two niggles during these early two months for Liverpool. Liverpool supporters will hope that when they go into the second half of the season, they’ll start to see an Isak which justifies that price tag.”
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‘Doesn’t benefit anyone’ - Alexander Isak
While on international duty earlier this month, Swedish media pressed Isak on the Newcastle drama. He is preferring to move on - insisting that dragging up the saga does not benefit either party.
"It's nothing I want to dwell on now,” Isak said, as quoted by ESPN. “It doesn't benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle so let it be. I'm working hard to push myself and play my game. Things have been a bit tougher for us (Liverpool). I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.”
Isak has also suggested he now plays for a team where the city “has a good relationship with the fans” - bizarre comments from someone previously worshipped on Tyneside. He added: "I've been really happy so far. A city where the team has a very good relationship with the fans, which is important. It's been nice so far.”
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