Image Credits: Imago Images
Alexander Isak faces a spell on the sidelines, with scans confirming that he suffered an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. The injury came after a challenge from Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven during Saturday’s Premier League clash. Isak, who came on as a substitute and scored the opening goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory, was unable to finish the game after being caught by Van de Ven’s late tackle.
The Premier League champions released a statement on Monday evening confirming that Isak has successfully undergone surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday. His rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return. The potential long-term absence would be a significant blow for both the player and the club. Isak joined Liverpool in the summer in a high-profile move from Newcastle but has struggled to find his best form, scoring only two goals so far.
Head coach Arne Slot is already without Mohamed Salah due to the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo through injury. Micky van de Ven has come under scrutiny for the challenge, but former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes it was a necessary tackle and said he would have done the same in the Dutchman’s position. Carragher said on Sky Sports: “It’s a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway.
“There’s a lot been made about a lot of the challenges in the game from Tottenham players and a lot of them weren’t clever. I’ve put myself in Van de Ven’s position and that’s a challenge I’d probably make. He’s trying to block it, it’s just the follow through. I don’t know where else anyone thinks his foot’s going to go. He has to make that challenge. You can’t let the striker just get a shot away there in that situation. It’s just really bad luck for Isak. It’s probably one of the first glimpses we’ve seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt.”
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