Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed Alexander Isak will be sidelined for “a couple of months.”
The Sweden striker suffered a fracture to his left leg following a challenge from Micky van de Ven moments after scoring the opener in their 2-1 win over Tottenham.
Isak was in serious discomfort on the field, but hobbled off when he was replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.
Arne Slot reveals extent of Alexander Isak injury
The Dutchman said: “It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months. It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us.”
On Monday, Liverpool released to statement to reveal that the 26-year-old underwent surgery “on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.”
It read: “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 also criticised the challenge from the Tottenham defender, adding: “This was for me a reckless challenge. The tackle of Van de Ven – if you make that tackle 10 times – I think 10 times there is a serious chance that a player gets a serious injury.”
Notable games Alexander Isak will miss
With the striker set for at least two months on the sidelines, Isak will miss several crucial games.
That includes a trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal next month, and their two remaining Champions League matches against Marseille and Qarabag.
Liverpool are locked in a battle for a top eight finish, and are currently one place behind an automatic passage into the knockout stages.
Aside from Arsenal, Liverpool will feel they have a favourable run of fixtures up until they play Qarabag before facing Newcastle on the final day of January. Games against Manchester City and Sunderland follow, with Nottingham Forest and West Ham rounding up February.
Isak could be back in time to play in the Champions League Round of 16 knockout matches in March, but remains likely to miss the play-off fixtures on February 17/18 and 24/25 if they fail to finish in the top eight.
Isak injury may shape Liverpool’s transfer window
Liverpool may be tempted to step up their pursuit of Antoine Semenyo, but they face competition from Manchester United and Man City.
Semenyo has a £65million release clause which can be activated in the first two weeks of the January transfer window.
His strongest position is from the left side, which means he won’t be considered a direct replacement for Alexander Isak.
Another option could revolve around Midtjylland’s striker Franculino.
Valued at around £25million, the 21-year-old has been one of the most in-form strikers across Europe having scored 16 goals in 17 appearances in the Danish top flight.
Isak’s absence may also mean Mohamed Salah will likely remain at Anfield, despite transfer interest from Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian was seemingly heading for the Liverpool exit door following his explosive interview before being left out of the matchday squad in the victory over Inter Milan.
