National World Top Stories Update Sunday 21 December, 2025
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after picking up an injury last weekend.
The 26-year-old was forced off during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham after a heavy collision from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. The challenge came moments after Isak had fired home Liverpool’s opener in North London.
Isak, who joined the Reds for a British transfer record fee of £130m in the summer, had only come on at half-time to replace Conor Bradley. He made an immediate impact, scoring his third goal of the season, but stayed down after landing awkwardly and was unable to continue.
Alexander Isak was taken off injured against Tottenham at the weekend.placeholder image
Alexander Isak was taken off injured against Tottenham at the weekend. | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool physios helped him from the pitch, but the club now fears the striker has suffered a broken leg. He is set to undergo MRI scans to assess the full extent of the injury.
The setback would be a major blow for head coach Arne Slot, who paid a British-record fee to bring Isak to Anfield.
“We’ll have to wait and see,” Slot said. “But if a player scores and then can’t try to come back on, that’s usually not a good sign.”
Liverpool’s attacking reinforcements are already thin. Mohamed Salah has left to join Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and is expected to be away until at least mid-January. Cody Gakpo is injured and Dominik Szoboszlai has been suspended.
That already left the Reds light in attack heading into a busy festive schedule. Isak’s injury only adds to those concerns.
Liverpool will now lean heavily on Hugo Ekitike, who is currently the club’s only fully fit centre forward. The 23-year-old has been in fine form, scoring five goals in his last three league games.
Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal in July, scored the winning goal against Spurs after Richarlison pulled one back late on.
Liverpool face Wolves on December 27 before welcoming Leeds on New Year’s Day. Isak, who has made 16 appearances since arriving at Anfield, is expected to miss both fixtures, with fears growing that his absence could stretch well beyond that.
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