Liverpool manager Arne Slott says star forward Alexander Isak will be sidelined until at least late February.
Published December 23, 2025
Alexander Isak is expected to be out for two months after breaking his foot in the game against Tottenham, with Liverpool manager Arne Slott accusing Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven of making a “reckless challenge”.
The Swedish striker limped off the pitch after being injured when he was tackled by a defender while scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win.
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Liverpool said in a statement on Monday that the forward had undergone surgery on an ankle injury that included a fractured fibula.
“It’s going to be a long injury that will last several months,” Slott told reporters Tuesday. “Yeah, it’s very, very, very unfortunate for him and of course for us as a result.”
Slott described Van de Ven’s tackle as “reckless”.
“I think I said a lot about the tackle on Xavi Simmons (who was sent off early in the Spurs game), but it was completely unintentional for me and I don’t think I would ever get hurt from a tackle like that.
“I think Van de Ven’s tackle, if you make 10 of those tackles, there’s a good chance that a player will be seriously injured in 10 of them.”
Isaac’s year of challenge continues
Isak’s injury is the latest setback for the player, who signed from Newcastle for a record £125 million in September.
Due to his dispute with Newcastle, he was unable to get a proper pre-season program and arrived at Liverpool much later than his team-mates in terms of fitness.
His season was then interrupted by a groin injury.
The 26-year-old has scored just three goals in 16 appearances since completing his long-term move to Anfield.
Isak’s absence will be a big blow to the Reds’ slot, with Mohamed Salah out for the African Cup of Nations and Kodi Gakpo not ready to return from a muscular injury until early in the new year.
This leaves Hugo Ekitike, who has scored five goals in the last four games, and Federico Chiesa, who has rarely been used, as the only senior forwards in the slot.
Liverpool, whose Premier League title defense collapsed after a series of shocking results, extended their unbeaten run to five games and moved into fifth place.
Isak’s injury raises the possibility that Liverpool will look to strengthen their attacking capabilities in the January transfer window, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo linked with a move to Anfield.
It could also change the conversation surrounding Salah, who was thrown under the bus by the club and recently claimed he was no longer relevant to Slott, and was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Salah was left out of the squad for the Champions League game against Inter Milan after he became abusive after being left on the bench for the third consecutive game.
However, he returned as a substitute against Brighton before departing for international duty.
Liverpool host bottom of the table Wolves on Saturday.
