Liverpool striker Alexander Isak undergoes surgery for a fractured fibula, dealing a major blow to the Reds’ attacking options in the Premier League
LIVERPOOL striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a fractured fibula.
The Premier League champions confirmed the 26-year-old had a successful operation on Monday for an ankle injury sustained against Tottenham.
Isak suffered the fracture while scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
He was tackled by defender Micky van de Ven and limped off immediately after his goal.
“Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday,” a club statement read.
“After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.”
Liverpool said his rehabilitation will continue at their AXA Training Centre with no return timeframe set.
The injury compounds a disappointing start to his Anfield career following a British record RM735 million move from Newcastle.
Isak has scored just three goals in 16 appearances since his protracted transfer.
His season has been disrupted by a prior groin injury and a lack of pre-season fitness.
The absence is a major blow for manager Arne Slot amid other attacking shortages.
Mohamed Salah is at the Africa Cup of Nations while Cody Gakpo is injured until the new year.
It leaves Slot with only Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa as senior forward options.
Former defender Jamie Carragher called it a “huge blow” for the squad.
“It’s just really bad luck for Isak,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“It’s probably one of the first glimpses we’ve seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt.”
Slot admitted after the Tottenham game that the injury was “not a good thing”.
The situation may force Liverpool to enter the January transfer market for an attacker.
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Anfield.
Carragher also suggested the injury could affect Mohamed Salah’s future at the club.
“I think for certain now Mo Salah will be staying at the club,” he added.
Salah had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia after a public fallout with Slot.
He was left out of a Champions League squad but returned as a substitute before AFCON.
Liverpool have climbed to fifth after extending their unbeaten league run to five games.
