Liverpool has been dealt a significant injury blow after confirming that striker Alexander Isak has undergone surgery following an ankle problem that includes a fibula fracture, an issue expected to keep him out for an extended period.
The Premier League champions disclosed on Monday that the Swedish forward required an operation after picking up the injury during Saturday’s 2-1 victory away at Tottenham. Isak sustained the knock while scoring, after a challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, and was forced to limp off shortly after finding the net.
In an official statement, the club said, “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 timeframe yet placed on his return.”
The injury compounds a difficult start to life at Anfield for the 26-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle in September for a British record £125 million deal. Since completing the high-profile move, Isak has managed only three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.
His early months at the club were already disrupted by circumstances surrounding his transfer, with a dispute at Newcastle preventing him from having a full pre-season. As a result, he arrived at Liverpool behind his new teammates in terms of match fitness. That slow adaptation was further complicated by a groin injury that interrupted his campaign.
Isak’s absence presents a major challenge for head coach Arne Slot, especially with Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo not expected back from a muscle injury until early in the new year. That leaves Hugo Ekitike, who has scored five goals in his last four matches, and the rarely used Federico Chiesa as the club’s only senior attacking options.
Despite Liverpool’s recent struggles, which saw their title defence unravel after a poor run of form, the team have climbed to fifth place following an unbeaten streak of five league matches.
Slot, speaking immediately after the Tottenham game, acknowledged concerns over Isak’s condition, saying the injury was “not a good thing”.
“If a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing but I cannot say anything more than that,” he added.
“That is just gut feeling and nothing medical… let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet. Let’s hope he is back with us soon.”
What you should know
Alexander Isak’s injury comes at a difficult moment for Liverpool, who are already stretched in attack due to injuries and international commitments.
The striker’s surgery confirms a fibula fracture, making his recovery uncertain and adding pressure on manager Arne Slot’s limited forward options. Signed for a record fee, Isak’s Liverpool career has so far been hampered by fitness issues, including a disrupted pre-season and a previous groin injury.
His absence could shape Liverpool’s short-term fortunes as they attempt to regain consistency and push back up the Premier League table.
