Liverpool Brace for Devastating Blow as Alexander Isak Faces 'Significant' Injury Scare
Liverpool medical staff are worried that striker Alexander Isak may have suffered a leg fracture during the incident that forced his substitution against Tottenham Hotspur, according to emerging reports.
Isak found the net in the Reds' 2–1 victory on Saturday but endured a heavy challenge from Micky van de Ven as the Dutch defender tried to prevent the shot. Isak couldn't enjoy his goal celebration, instead needing medical attention before hobbling off the pitch with assistance from the team's medical personnel.
Head coach Arne Slot expressed his worries about Isak's condition immediately after the match, while squad members Alisson and Florian Wirtz attempted to stay optimistic. Regrettably, it appears the manager's concerns may prove justified.
While worries about a potential anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear are diminishing, The Athletic reports that current indications suggest Isak may have actually fractured his leg during the collision with Van de Ven.
The definitive diagnosis will only emerge from additional medical imaging, but Liverpool are already preparing for a "substantial" injury that could sideline Isak for an extended period.
How Long Could Alexander Isak Be Out Injured?
This remains the burning question among Liverpool supporters worldwide.
Obviously, everything hinges on how severe Isak's injury proves to be. A minor strain might require approximately one month of rehabilitation, whereas an ACL tear could extend from nine months to a full year. The reality will likely fall somewhere between these extremes.
Should medical examinations confirm a leg fracture for Isak, expectations are that he'll need a minimum of two months for recovery, keeping him unavailable until early March at the soonest.
Liverpool face no fewer than 14 fixtures before March begins, starting with Saturday's encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Ironically, Wolves might also be the opposition for Isak's comeback on March 4 if the two-month timeline proves accurate.
Between these two matches against the West Midlands club, Isak looks set to miss several crucial encounters. An away fixture at Arsenal is scheduled for Jan. 8, followed by a Champions League away match in Marseille 13 days later on Jan. 21.
Liverpool conclude January with a home match against Isak's previous club, Newcastle United. The Swedish striker was absent when these teams met earlier this campaign following his move to Anfield and seems certain to miss the reverse fixture too.
Manchester City arrive at Anfield seven days afterward for another pivotal encounter, where Liverpool will need to rely on Hugo Ekitiké maintaining his impressive scoring streak.