Alexander Isak was injured in Liverpool's 2-1 win over nine-men Tottenham, with the Sweden international limping off after falling awkwardly under a challenge from Micky van de Ven
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer and Neil Docking
07:41, 22 Dec 2025Updated 07:41, 22 Dec 2025
Alexander Isak could face months on the sidelines
View 6 Images
Alexander Isak could face months on the sidelines(Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Liverpool are counting the cost of their 2-1 win over Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday night - a victory that has now turned into a nightmare.
The win was largely down to Liverpool's summer signings, with Alexander Isak breaking the deadlock in the second half after a smart pass from Florian Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong, another new recruit, sent in a deflected cross in the second half that Hugo Ekitike then met with a looping header to double Liverpool's lead. And while former Everton player Richarlison managed to pull one back for Spurs late on, Liverpool held on to secure their ninth win of the season.
Despite now being unbeaten in six games following a poor run of form that crushed their Premier League title hopes, the victory was overshadowed by an injury to Isak in scoring his goal. Isak fell awkwardly in a wild challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and had to be substituted after receiving treatment on the pitch. Here's all the latest news from Anfield.
Liverpool fear Alexander Isak suffered a 'significant' injury
View 6 Images
Liverpool fear Alexander Isak suffered a 'significant' injury(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak's 'broken leg'
Liverpool now face an anxious period to determine the extent of Isak's injury, with the club concerned the Sweden international has sustained a 'significant' issue ahead of an MRI scan on Monday.
Whilst the length of the striker's potential lay-off remains unclear, Slot did offer a brief update following the match, recognising it's never encouraging when a player is unable to continue, especially after scoring.
He said: "We'll have to wait and see. But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing."
Liverpool's Alexander Isak goes down injured
View 6 Images
Liverpool's Alexander Isak goes down injured(Image: PA)
The Athletic's David Ornstein has since reported that Isak is set for a period on the sidelines "with a suspected leg break" from Van de Ven's challenge.
He said on X: "Liverpool yet to comment on severity but scans poised to confirm fears of fracture to left side; recovery time typically a few months."
The £125m summer signing from Newcastle's time at Anfield has been hugely underwhelming so far, with just two league goals for the Reds, and now he may be out until the closing stages of the season.
Ekitike must fill the void
Hugo Ekitike scores for Liverpool against Tottenham
View 6 Images
Hugo Ekitike scores for Liverpool against Tottenham(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Ekitike has been challenged to step up his game in the coming weeks following the injury to Isak, reports the Mirror.
The 23-year-old netted his 11th strike across all competitions for Liverpool with a second-half header against Thomas Frank's outfit. The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man appears ideally positioned to lead Liverpool's frontline having found the net five times in his previous three Premier League outings.
Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day following the encounter, former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given acknowledged that losing Isak for any period would represent a devastating setback for Liverpool, particularly with Mo Salah currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
He said: "It's a big loss if Isak has gone off injured again. He's had a stop-start campaign so far. But, Ekitike looks the real deal, doesn't he?
"A brilliant striker, and he'll have to step up. Obviously, Mo Salah has left as well to go to the Africa Cup of Nations. Ekitike will have to stay fit as well because it's a big loss if Isak is out for a number of weeks now as well."
Former Premier League star criticises Tottenham conduct
Referee John Brooks shows Xavi Simons of Tottenham the red card against Liverpool
View 6 Images
Referee John Brooks shows Xavi Simons of Tottenham the red card against Liverpool
Spurs' absence of restraint has been condemned by former Manchester City keeper Joe Hart. Tottenham concluded the Liverpool encounter with merely nine players.
Xavi Simons received a red card during the opening period, after a VAR assessment, for a tackle on his fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk. Christian Romero was also dismissed following a second booking later in the match, when he kicked out at Ibrahima Konate.
Richarlison also seemed to grab Ekitike by the throat after netting and subsequently confronted Dominik Szoboszlai. A clash between the Brazilian and Frimpong also resulted in the Dutch wing-back departing the field with a bleeding lip. Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven's challenge on Isak looks to have had dire consequences.
Micky van de Ven launches himself at Alexander Isak
View 6 Images
Micky van de Ven launches himself at Alexander Isak(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Rodrigo Bentancur also delivered a harsh tackle on Milos Kerkez. Hart reckons Spurs' loss of composure ultimately enabled Liverpool to secure the result, despite Frank's team clawing their way back into contention late on via Richarlison's strike.
Speaking on Match of the Day, the former England shot-stopper said: "They just totally lost control, and for me this is the worst, I really don't like this."
Article continues below
He added: "Bentancur's absolutely cheap shot on Kerkez, he's hit him really hard there, fellow professional, no need for that."
Ekitike later commented on the unsavoury incident, stating: "It was very physical today. There were a lot of duels, but sometimes, it was bad. That wasn't football."