Liverpool have ruled out an ACL injury for Alexander Isak but fears are mounting at the club that the £125 million striker will be out long term with damage to his lower leg.
Isak was forced off after just 15 minutes in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham, having come off the bench at half-time to score the opener only to be injured in the process.
The Alexander Isak injury: A quick look
• ACL ruled out: Liverpool have ruled out a season-ending ACL tear, but The Athletic reports that a serious lower leg injury is now feared.
• Long-term layoff: The mood around Isak’s injury is low amid concerns he could be sidelined for months.
• Striker shortage: With Isak sidelined, Hugo Ekitike remains the club’s only fit senior No. 9, while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are also unavailable.
• January solution: Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a primary target; he has a £65m release clause active during the first two weeks of January.
There were immediate concerns that the No. 9 had suffered an ACL injury due to the contact made by Micky van de Ven’s horrific challenge, but the club have now ruled that out.
But as per widespread sources including The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, Liverpool harbour growing concerns that Isak will be out for the long term.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak lies injured after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The injury, which is to Isak’s lower leg, is suspected to be significant and a further diagnosis will be made after an MRI scan next week.
It will leave Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool’s only established centre-forward with Federico Chiesa available as cover, at a time when both Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are also unavailable due to international duty and injury respectively.
Isak’s injury could be expected to rule him out for a number of months, rather than weeks, after initial hopes within the squad that he could avoid a serious issue.
Given the timing of this latest setback it would be no surprise if Liverpool were to turn to the transfer market for another forward in January.
Will Liverpool sign a new striker in January?
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during a pre-season friendly match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Saturday August 9, 2025.
Bournemouth‘s Antoine Semenyo appears the prime candidate, with there known interest in the Ghanaian who is available for £65 million in the first two weeks of the window due to a release clause in his contract.
Liverpool are not the only side weighing up a move for Semenyo, with Man United, Man City and Tottenham all named as suitors.
But his proven quality, Premier League experience and versatility – able to play on either flank and as a striker – could make him an ideal signing for Arne Slot‘s side.
Crucially, Semenyo is also eligible as a homegrown player, which means there is no need to free up space in the squad before registering him if signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Alexander Isak miss the rest of the season?
No. By ruling out an ACL injury, Liverpool have ensured Isak should play again this season. However, he is expected to miss a significant number of months depending on scan results.
Who is Liverpool’s main target if Isak is out long-term?
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is the primary candidate. He has a £65 million release clause that is active during the first two weeks of January.
How many fit strikers do Liverpool currently have?
With Isak injured, Hugo Ekitike is the only fit senior striker. Federico Chiesa remains available as a versatile cover option.