Liverpool fear Isak has broken leg
By Wellington Jopelo
Liverpool faces a potential major setback as record signing Alexander Isak may have suffered a broken leg during their 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham, reports said Monday.
The Sweden international, 26, was injured while scoring the opening goal after a sliding challenge from Spurs defender Micky van der Ven. Isak, who had come on as a second-half substitute, left the pitch in visible pain and was unable to celebrate with his teammates. Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the injury as “not a good thing” but urged caution until scans confirm the extent of the damage.
“If a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing… but let’s hope he is back with us soon,” Slot said, stressing that his comments were based on gut feeling rather than medical assessment.
According to reports from The Athletic and Sky Sports, Liverpool fear the injury could sideline Isak for a significant period, a serious blow for a club already missing Mohamed Salah to the Africa Cup of Nations and awaiting the return of Cody Gakpo from a muscle injury in the new year.
Isak has had a challenging start to life at Anfield, making just 16 appearances and scoring three goals since his £125 million ($168 million) British-record move from Newcastle on transfer deadline day. A dispute with his former club meant he missed a proper pre-season, arriving behind his teammates in fitness, and his campaign was further disrupted by a groin injury.
Liverpool now must rely on Hugo Ekitike, who has five goals in his last four games, and the little-used Federico Chiesa as senior forwards. Despite the setback, the Reds have climbed to fifth in the Premier League, extending their unbeaten run in the league to five games, following a difficult start to their title defence.