Liverpool have suffered a major setback after confirming striker Alexander Isak has undergone surgery on an ankle injury that includes a fractured fibula, ruling him out for an extended period.
The 26-year-old Sweden international was injured while scoring in Liverpool’s 2–1 Premier League win away to Tottenham Hotspur on 20 December. Isak was caught by a challenge from defender Micky van de Ven and was forced to limp off shortly after finding the net.
In a statement released on Monday, Liverpool said:
“Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday. Following diagnosis, an operation was completed on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. His rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return.”
Isak’s absence is another blow in what has been a frustrating first season at Anfield. Signed from Newcastle United for a British record £125 million in September, he has scored just three goals in 16 appearances. A disrupted pre-season following a dispute with Newcastle, coupled with a subsequent groin injury, has hampered his progress.
The injury leaves Liverpool head coach Arne Slot short of attacking options. Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Cody Gakpo is 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 Federico Chiesa as the only senior forwards available.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described the situation as “really bad luck” for Isak.
“It’s a huge blow because Liverpool were probably one attacker short anyway,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s one of the first real glimpses we’ve seen of Isak’s quality in a Liverpool shirt.”
Slot had admitted immediately after the Tottenham match that the injury was “not a good thing”, and Liverpool may now be forced to reassess their plans ahead of the January transfer window. Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move, while Carragher suggested the situation could also influence the club’s stance on Salah’s future.
Liverpool, whose title defence had faltered earlier in the season, have climbed to fifth in the table after extending their unbeaten league run to five matches. However, Isak’s long-term absence represents a significant challenge as they look to rebuild momentum in the second half of the campaign.
