Liverpool have confirmed that Alexander Isak will be sidelined for several months after suffering a fractured left leg.
The Sweden international, who joined the Reds from Newcastle in a British-record transfer, sustained the injury while scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
Isak was caught by a robust last-ditch challenge from Micky van de Ven as the Spurs defender attempted to block his shot. Although the tackle failed to prevent the goal, it left the striker badly hurt.
Notably, Isak did not celebrate after finding the net, his second goal in 16 outings and was later withdrawn for Jeremie Frimpong following on-field treatment.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot had immediately feared the worst, and those concerns were confirmed on Monday after scans revealed a fracture in Isak’s lower left leg.
In a statement, the club said: “Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday.
“The Liverpool striker was injured in a challenge in the process of scoring the opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur and had to be substituted.
“After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.
“Isak’s rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return.”
Slot admitted after the Tottenham match that his initial reaction suggested the injury could be serious.
“If a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing but I cannot say anything more than that,” the Dutchman said.
“That is just gut feeling and nothing medical…let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet. Let’s hope he is back with us soon.”
The setback adds to a frustrating debut campaign at Anfield for Isak. He arrived late after missing Liverpool’s pre-season and struggled for full fitness on his return.
The forward later suffered a groin problem that kept him out for several weeks, further disrupting his rhythm.
So far, Isak has managed just three goals in 16 appearances for Liverpool, a tally that is unlikely to improve any time soon following this latest injury blow.
