Liverpool hit by fresh injury scare as £125m striker faces uncertain spell on sidelines
Liverpool are anxiously awaiting medical clarity after Alexander Isak was forced off during a dramatic win over Tottenham, adding to growing concerns about the club’s attacking depth during a demanding winter period.
Isak injury raises immediate concerns
Liverpool are assessing the extent of a potential lower leg injury suffered by Alexander Isak during Saturday’s 2 to 1 Premier League victory away at Tottenham, according to BBC Sport reporter Aadam Patel.
The Sweden international came off the bench and scored the opening goal, but was caught by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven immediately after striking the ball. Although he initially received treatment on the pitch, Isak was ultimately unable to continue and was substituted.
Scans to determine recovery timeline
Isak underwent MRI scans on Sunday, with the results expected to clarify both the severity of the injury and how long the forward may be unavailable.
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Liverpool are not expected to confirm a recovery timeframe until those results are reviewed, and the situation is being handled cautiously as the club balances a congested fixture list across domestic and European competitions.
Slot urges patience after final whistle
Head coach Arne Slot is scheduled to speak publicly on Tuesday, when he is likely to provide further insight into the situation.
Speaking immediately after the match, Slot struck a cautious tone, according to BBC Sport.
“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.”
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A disrupted path since arriving at Anfield
Isak, 26, completed a record £125m move from Newcastle to Liverpool in September, but his first months at Anfield have been disrupted by fitness issues and limited preparation, BBC Sport reported.
He joined without a full pre season after being left out of Newcastle’s summer tour of Asia with what the club described as a minor thigh injury. At the time, it was widely understood that the striker was exploring a move away from the club.
Before finalising his transfer on deadline day, Isak trained alone at former side Real Sociedad to maintain fitness.
Limited impact amid attacking absences
As a result of his interrupted build up, Isak has started only 10 matches in all competitions and has scored twice in the league this season.
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Liverpool’s attacking options are already stretched, with Mohamed Salah away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo sidelined through injury.
That context has opened the door for summer signing Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to continue leading the line in Isak’s absence. The former Eintracht Frankfurt forward has scored 11 goals this season, including five in his last three league appearances, a run of form that had already pushed Isak to the bench prior to Saturday’s match.
Sources: BBC Sport
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