Paul Joyce confirms ‘significant’ Alexander Isak injury blow | OneFootball

Liverpool anxiously await clarity on Alexander Isak injury

There is a growing unease inside Liverpool following Alexander Isak’s injury scare in north London. What should have been a moment of promise for Arne Slot’s side has instead become a period of anxious waiting, with scans set to determine how long the club’s record signing will be sidelined.

Liverpool fear that Isak has suffered a significant injury to his lower leg, and while the final diagnosis is still pending, the prevailing mood is described as gloomy. The £125million striker was injured in the act of scoring his second Premier League goal of the season, a finish that should have signalled progress in a difficult settling in period.

Instead, the image of Isak writhing in pain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium now dominates the narrative.

Incident that changed the mood in north London

The injury occurred when Micky van de Ven made a desperate attempt to block Isak’s effort. As Paul Joyce reports for The Times, “The striker’s leg became sandwiched in between Van de Ven’s own legs as the defender made a desperate lunge in an attempt to prevent the 56th minute strike.”

Liverpool staff were surprised that the challenge escaped punishment, particularly in a match where referee John Brooks dismissed Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero. That sense of disbelief only grew as Isak received lengthy treatment on the pitch from Chris Morgan and Jonathan Power before being helped off, clearly distressed.

Crucially, early indications point away from a knee issue, offering a small measure of relief amid the concern. As stated in the report, “It is understood that it is Isak’s lower leg, rather than his knee, which has been affected by the tackle.” Even so, lower leg injuries can vary wildly in severity, and Liverpool are waiting on MRI results before confirming a timeline.

Photo: IMAGO

Setback during difficult settling period

Isak’s Liverpool career has yet to gain consistent momentum. Arriving from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, he has faced the dual challenge of expectation and adaptation. A groin injury already ruled him out for close to a month, and his performances since returning had been tentative.

That is why this goal mattered. It was the first time he had been assisted by Florian Wirtz, the £116million playmaker also signed in the summer. Slot had hoped that moment would spark understanding between two of Liverpool’s most significant investments.

The Times report underlines that optimism. Slot had been looking for signs that the pair could begin to dovetail, bringing cohesion to Liverpool’s evolving attack. Now, as Joyce notes, that prospect “feels unlikely” in the short term.

Squad pressure mounts for Arne Slot

The timing could hardly be worse. Liverpool already face mounting availability issues. Conor Bradley also sustained an injury at Tottenham, while Dominik Szoboszlai will miss the next league fixture after picking up a suspension. Mohamed Salah has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, further stretching attacking options.

Elsewhere, Cody Gakpo and Wataru Endo remain sidelined, and Giovanni Leoni continues a long recovery after suffering an ACL injury on his debut in September. Each absence narrows Slot’s room for manoeuvre.

Liverpool’s strength last season lay in depth and durability. This campaign is testing both. Isak’s injury has become symbolic of a broader strain, where progress is repeatedly interrupted just as rhythm begins to form.

For now, the club waits. Scans will bring clarity, but the sense of momentum lost is already keenly felt.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Isak’s season has felt stop start from the outset, and just as confidence seemed to be building, another physical setback looms. Fans will take some comfort from the suggestion that the knee is not involved, but any significant lower leg injury still carries risk.

What stands out is the growing strain on Slot’s squad. Injuries, suspensions and international absences are converging at once. Liverpool have navigated difficult spells before, but this feels like a moment where margins tighten considerably. Supporters will question how much patience can realistically be afforded to Isak if his availability continues to be compromised, even while recognising that form is impossible without continuity.

There is also a lingering sense of injustice around the challenge itself. Watching red cards shown elsewhere in the match only heightens frustration that such a decisive moment went unpunished. Fans will hope the club quietly seek clarification from officials.

Ultimately, Liverpool supporters want clarity above all else. Knowing the timeline allows expectations to reset. Until then, anxiety fills the gap.