22nd December 2025
December 22 – Liverpool are bracing themselves for an extended absence for Alexander Isak after scans revealed the striker has suffered a serious fracture to his left leg following Saturday’s win away at Tottenham.
The club’s initial concern had been even more severe, with fears immediately after the match that the £125 million forward may have sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage. That scenario has since been ruled out, but MRI scans conducted on Sunday, after the squad returned from London, confirmed a complex leg injury that is expected to sideline the Swede for several months.
Isak was left in visible distress after a heavy challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Although Isak managed to leave the pitch with assistance from Liverpool’s medical staff, the severity of the injury was apparent from the outset.
While the club has not put an official timescale on his return, sources indicate March is viewed as the earliest realistic target.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot offered a measured assessment after the match. “We’ll have to wait and see,” he said. “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.”
The setback continues a disrupted first season on Merseyside for Isak following his record-breaking move from Newcastle United. He arrived amid controversy, short of match fitness, endured a difficult opening spell, and was sidelined again by a groin problem earlier in the campaign.
His goal against Tottenham, however, had been his clearest statement yet of the qualities that persuaded Liverpool to break the British transfer record – making the timing of the injury all the more damaging for both player and club.
The injury now gives fellow new boy Hugo Ekitike a clear run at claiming the number nine position.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [moc.l1766411645labto1766411645ofdlr1766411645owedi1766411645sni@g1766411645niwe.1766411645yrrah1766411645](javascript:;)