Liverpool have been dealt a severe blow with the confirmation that star striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
Injury Nightmare Confirmed
The club announced that the Swedish international successfully went under the knife on December 22, 2025 to address a serious ankle injury. The problem was sustained during Liverpool's Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur just days earlier, on Saturday.
Isak had opened the scoring in that match but was hurt in the process. As he shot, he was challenged by Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, who slid in attempting to block the effort. The follow-through from the Dutchman left Isak in significant pain on the turf, forcing his immediate substitution.
Severe Diagnosis and Recovery
Medical assessments revealed the full extent of the damage. Liverpool's statement confirmed the operation was for an ankle injury that included a fracture of the fibula. While the club has not set a specific return date, they acknowledged the summer signing from Newcastle will be absent for a number of months.
His rehabilitation will now take place at the club's AXA Training Centre. This injury represents a cruel setback for the forward, who had just begun to showcase his quality for his new club.
Carragher's Defence and Slot's Dilemma
Analysing the incident on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher defended Van de Ven's actions. "I've put myself in Van de Ven's position and that's a challenge I'd probably make," Carragher stated. "He's trying to block it... It's just really bad luck for Isak."
The injury compounds manager Arne Slot's attacking woes. The Reds are already without Mohamed Salah, who is away at the African Cup of Nations, and forward Cody Gakpo is also injured. This leaves Slot with severely depleted options as Liverpool prepare for their next fixture against Wolves.
Carragher summed up the situation, calling it "a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway." The coming months will test the squad's depth as they aim to maintain their challenge on all fronts without their major summer acquisition.
