Liverpool are anxiously awaiting the results of medical tests on Alexander Isak after the striker was forced off with a suspected significant lower leg injury during Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Isak, a £125m record signing from Newcastle in September, had only just made his impact on the game. Introduced from the bench by head coach Arne Slot, the Swedish international broke the deadlock at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a composed finish. However, moments after striking his shot, he was caught by the recovering Micky van de Ven and immediately signalled discomfort. Although he attempted to continue, Isak was ultimately unable to carry on and was substituted, casting a shadow over an otherwise positive afternoon for the Reds.
The 26-year-old underwent MRI scans on Sunday, with Liverpool’s medical staff now assessing the severity of the injury and how long he may be sidelined. Club sources suggest the scans will be crucial in determining whether Isak faces a short spell on the sidelines or a more prolonged absence at a critical point in the season. Slot is expected to provide an update when he addresses the media at his scheduled news conference on Tuesday.
Speaking shortly after the match, Slot hinted at concern over the nature of the injury. “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.” His words reflected the unease within the Liverpool camp, particularly given the club’s growing list of attacking absentees.
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Isak’s time at Anfield has yet to fully catch fire. Despite scoring 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle last season, his Liverpool career has been disrupted by fitness issues and a lack of continuity. He arrived on Merseyside without the benefit of a full pre-season, having been left out of Newcastle’s summer tour of Asia with what was described as a minor thigh injury. During that period, Isak trained alone at former club Real Sociedad while exploring a potential move, before completing his transfer to Liverpool on deadline day.
The absence of a proper build-up has been evident. Isak has started just 10 matches in all competitions this season and Saturday’s goal was only his second in the Premier League, coming in his 10th appearance. While his quality is unquestioned, rhythm and sharpness have proved harder to find, especially amid competition from fellow forward Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool’s attacking options are already stretched. Mohamed Salah is currently away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Cody Gakpo remains sidelined through injury. In their absence, Ekitike has stepped up impressively. The 23-year-old Frenchman, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, also found the net against Spurs and has now scored 11 goals this term, including five in his last three league games. That rich vein of form was a key factor in Isak beginning Saturday’s match on the bench.
Should Isak face an extended spell out, Ekitike is expected to continue leading the line, supported by Slot’s adaptable attacking system. Yet Liverpool are acutely aware that the season’s demands will require depth and flexibility, particularly with domestic and European commitments intensifying.
For now, all eyes remain on the medical update. Liverpool have momentum in the league, but the potential loss of their marquee striker, just as he appeared to be finding his feet, would represent a significant setback.
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