Injury turns Isak’s big moment into a nightmare
Alexander Isak finally found the net in the Premier League again, coolly finishing Florian Wirtz’s pass to put Liverpool ahead against Tottenham.
As he struck the ball, a sliding challenge from Micky van de Ven caught him awkwardly, leaving the striker on the turf instead of celebrating with his teammates.
He needed treatment on the pitch and had to be helped off by medical staff, with Jeremie Frimpong coming on in his place.
Liverpool fear a broken leg and months on the sidelines
At Anfield there is real concern that Isak may have suffered a broken lower leg.
While scans will confirm the exact damage, such injuries usually mean several months out, a devastating prospect in the middle of a packed season.
The club had already privately feared a “significant leg injury” before early reports of a possible break emerged.
Record £125m signing hit just as he seemed to turn a corner
Isak arrived in the summer from Newcastle for £125m as Liverpool’s record transfer, but his first months have been disrupted by fitness issues and uneven form.
His strike against Spurs was only his second Premier League goal for the club, just when it looked like his confidence was finally starting to build.
A long absence now would be a big personal setback and leave serious question marks over his first season at Anfield.
Slot tries to stay positive despite obvious worry
Arne Slot focused on the positives in his post-match comments, praising Isak’s composed finish and Wirtz’s assist.
He insisted it was “a good thing he scored” and urged against premature pessimism, saying Liverpool must wait for full medical results.
At the same time, he acknowledged the display was far from perfect, especially in the final minutes, even if the team is “developing in a way” he wants.
AFCON, Gakpo’s fitness and a suddenly thin forward line
Isak’s potential lay-off comes at the worst possible moment for Liverpool’s attacking depth.
Mohamed Salah is set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations, with his Liverpool future already under debate.
Cody Gakpo is still working his way back from a muscle injury, leaving Hugo Ekitike, Federico Chiesa and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha as the main fit options.
Neither Chiesa nor Ngumoha has started a league game this season, underlining how exposed Slot could be if Isak is out long-term.
Ekitike in form but can’t be overused
One small consolation for Liverpool is the form of Hugo Ekitike, who scored the late winner against nine-man Spurs.
The French striker has hit five goals in his last three league matches and looks ready to lead the line.
However, with so few senior forwards available, Slot will need to manage his minutes carefully to avoid another injury crisis up front.
January transfer window: from option to necessity?
Before Isak’s setback, Liverpool were under no clear pressure to buy another forward in January.
Now, the club may be forced to explore the market for a versatile attacker who can play both centrally and out wide, rather than a pure No 9.
Depth in the wide positions is also thin, so any signing would ideally cover multiple roles across the frontline.
Semenyo profile fits, but deal won’t be simple
Among the names admired at Anfield is Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause.
He can operate on both flanks and has occasionally played as a central striker, ticking several boxes for Liverpool’s recruitment team.
The challenge will be finding someone of that level at a reasonable fee in January, a notoriously difficult window for major attacking signings.
