New Delhi: Liverpool have been dealt a huge blow as striker Alexander Isak is set to be out of action for a few months after suffering a fracture on his left leg. The club on Monday confirmed that the Swedish striker has undergone surgery on his broken leg. Isak sustained the injury during Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
He was injured by a challenge from Spurs’ Micky van de Ven, minutes after scoring for Arne Slot’s men, after coming off the bench against Spurs. He was seen in visible pain and discomfort as he was helped off the field by Liverpool’s medical staff. Scans later revealed Isak had sustained an ankle injury and a fibula fracture.
Liverpool have not outlined the time required for Isak to recover and return to action, but he is expected to be sidelined for a few months. The striker, who joined Liverpool from Newcastle United in a Premier League record deal of £125 million, had struggled to nail his spot in Slot’s team. His injury is the latest setback for Isak in what has been a tough start for him at Liverpool.
His injuries have also added to the club’s woes as they continue to struggle on the field in the ongoing season. The most expensive signing in Premier League history, Isak was expected to set the ball rolling at Liverpool from the word go after his much-anticipated arrival. However, he struggled with form and fitness as Liverpool’s performances dipped.
Isak has scored only three goals in 16 matches for Liverpool so far this season, highlighting his struggles. His goal against Spurs last week was expected to mark the start of a new beginning for the striker; however, his injury means he is set to remain out of action for the next few months.
Liverpool not in Premier League title race
Liverpool are nowhere near challenging for the title this season after lifting the Premier League trophy in Slot’s debut campaign last season. The Reds are currently in fifth spot on the Premier League table with 29 points from 17 matches. Apart from Isak, German midfielder Florian Wirtz, who was the club’s second-most expensive signing this summer, has also failed to live up to expectations and has struggled so far this season.
Isak’s absence will further worsen Liverpool’s woes amid the ongoing tensions between manager Slot and star forward Mohamed Salah. Salah was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad earlier this month after his public rant against Slot and the club. However, he returned to the side and started from the bench in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Brighton earlier this month.