Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is expected to face a significant period on the sidelines following surgery on an ankle injury that includes a fibula fracture. The Premier League champions announced the surgery took place on Monday.
Isak, who was signed from Newcastle for a British record £125 million ($253 million AUD) in September, sustained the injury while scoring during Liverpool's 2-1 victory against Tottenham on Saturday. He was tackled by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and immediately limped off the field after his goal.
A statement from Liverpool confirmed, “Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday. 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 time frame yet placed on his return.”
This injury marks another setback for Isak, who has had a disappointing start at Liverpool, scoring just three goals in 16 appearances since his transfer. A dispute with Newcastle prevented him from having a proper pre-season, resulting in him arriving at Liverpool lacking fitness. His season has also been interrupted by a previous groin injury.
Isak’s absence poses a significant challenge for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, especially with Mohamed Salah participating in the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo sidelined with a muscle injury until early next year. This situation leaves Slot with only Hugo Ekitike, who has scored five goals in his last four matches, and the less frequently used Federico Chiesa as available senior forwards.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher commented on the situation, stating, “It’s a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway. 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.”
Despite a challenging start to the season, Liverpool has climbed to fifth place in the Premier League table after extending their unbeaten run to five games. Following Isak's injury, Slot acknowledged that it was “not a good thing” for the team.
The prospect of Liverpool acquiring a new attacker in the January transfer window has emerged, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo being linked to a move to Anfield. Carragher noted that Semenyo has a buyout clause and emphasized the need for depth in the attacking lineup, particularly with Salah’s recent issues, including being left out of a Champions League match against Inter Milan.
Despite speculation about Salah’s potential departure to Saudi Arabia, Carragher suggested that Salah is likely to remain at Liverpool, and there is a possibility that Harvey Elliott may return from his loan at Aston Villa.
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