Isak set for months out after undergoing surgery on leg break | OneFootball

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak will be sidelined for several months after sustaining a fracture to his left leg in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the club has confirmed.

The Sweden international underwent surgery on Monday to repair the injury, though Liverpool have not specified a timescale for his return.

The 26-year-old’s injury came in cruel fashion. Isak had only just entered the match as a second-half substitute when he opened the scoring for Arne Slot’s side. 

He was caught by a challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven and had to be helped off the pitch by Liverpool’s medical staff.

Liverpool acted swiftly, with MRI scans on Sunday revealing the extent of the damage. While the club confirmed Isak had avoided an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the scan showed a fibula fracture.

Surgery was performed successfully on Monday to stabilise the leg. “He successfully underwent surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture,” Liverpool said in a statement.

The Sweden international’s absence represents a significant setback for Liverpool, both on and off the pitch. Isak joined the club on transfer deadline day in September for a British-record £125 million and had yet to fully settle on Merseyside.

After struggling with match fitness in his early weeks and missing time through a groin injury against Eintracht Frankfurt, Isak began to show glimpses of his potential. His strike against Tottenham was only his second Premier League goal for the club but offered a glimpse of why Liverpool invested heavily in him.

The timing of the injury is particularly harsh. Mohamed Salah is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Liverpool’s attacking options stretched. Hugo Ekitike now stands as the only fit central striker in Slot’s squad, forcing the manager to reconsider options ahead of the busy festive schedule.

Liverpool are taking a cautious approach to Isak’s rehabilitation. While the minimum recovery period for a leg fracture is typically around 12 weeks, there is no firm return date. Realistically, the club is preparing for the Sweden striker to be absent for several months, potentially not returning until the spring international break in March.

For Isak, it is yet another setback since his high-profile move from Newcastle United. The striker has had to overcome early struggles with fitness and injuries, but his brief flashes of quality had begun to suggest he could make an immediate impact on Merseyside. That journey will now pause, leaving both player and club to navigate the frustrations of long-term rehabilitation.

Liverpool will provide further updates on Isak’s progress as he begins his recovery, with Slot due to address the media on Tuesday ahead of the Reds match against Wolves on December 27.