Liverpool supporters have been fearing the worst for Alexander Isak ever since watching him limp off after scoring against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
The Swede has had a fairly awful time of things since arriving as a British record transfer signing from Newcastle, with a broken leg putting the cherry on top of an especially rotten cake.
There were initial worries that Isak could miss the rest of Liverpool’s season, handing the Reds a dismal return on the £120m they paid on the No. 9.
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Alexander Isak reacts with his hands on his head during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
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However, after news arrived that Isak has fractured his left fibula, there is renewed hope that he may be back before the end of the campaign.
Further clarity has now arrived on when Liverpool fans can expect to see Isak again, and it could be good news for Arne Slot’s bid to win the Champions League.
Alexander Isak could return in March
Slot already hinted at the length of absence he is expecting for Isak during his pre-Wolves press conference, claiming that the striker will miss two months of action.
“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” said the Dutchman. “It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us.”
Alexander Isak is tackled by Micky van de Ven while scoring for Liverpool against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League
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As per The Athletic, Slot’s timeline is pretty much spot-on, with Isak set to come back during March.
The 26-year-old will undergo surgery on his fracture, and is ‘not expected’ to feature for more than two months.
This would at least leave room for Isak to be involved in the latter stages of the Champions League and FA Cup should Liverpool reach them.
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How do Liverpool cope until then?
While it is hugely disappointing that Isak will miss such a big amount of football, Liverpool fans can at least rest easy knowing they have an in-form Hugo Ekitike to fill in.
However, there will be worry over keeping the Frenchman fit as well, he certainly cannot play every game.
Federico Chiesa has played centrally for Liverpool under Slot, and with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo also currently missing, the Italian could well feature against Wolves on Saturday.
Once Salah and Gakpo return, it is likely that Slot will play with a front three with those two forwards and Ekitike. But beyond his starters, things are a little thin on the ground.
Despite the lack of bodies, there has been a suggestion that Liverpool will not enter the January market after missing out on Antoine Semenyo to Man City. By hook or by crook, they’re going to have to survive until the Spring.
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