Liverpool are facing a major attacking dilemma after star striker Alexander Isak suffered a potentially season-ending injury during their Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Injury Blow for Reds' Record Signing
The Swedish international, a £125 million signing from Newcastle United, was forced off after a collision with Spurs defender Mickey van de Ven while scoring Liverpool's opening goal on Saturday. Early fears suggest the forward may have sustained a broken leg, though the club is awaiting full medical assessment.
If confirmed, the serious injury could rule Isak out for most, if not all, of the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign. This presents a significant challenge for manager Arne Slot, who has already had to manage without his main striker for brief periods this season.
Carragher's Five-Point Plan for Liverpool
Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has analysed the situation, suggesting that a panic buy in the January transfer window is not inevitable. He has instead proposed five potential pathways for the Reds to navigate Isak's absence.
Carragher's primary assertion is that Mohamed Salah's anticipated January exit is now "off the cards," providing one immediate boost to the squad's depth. He also speculated that Harvey Elliott could be recalled from his loan spell at Aston Villa to bolster midfield options.
Regarding new signings, Carragher referenced continued links with Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who is believed to have a buyout clause active next month. However, he emphasised that Liverpool's history suggests they will not spend heavily on a player they do not truly want.
The pundit also pointed to internal solutions:
- Utilising wide players like Salah and Cody Gakpo through the middle, a role both have played previously.
- Giving opportunities to young academy striker Jayden Danns.
"I think that's the way they could go around it," Carragher told Sky Sports. "They won't go out and buy a striker who they don't really want."
Slot Reflects on Mixed Emotions After Spurs Win
Despite the injury setback, Liverpool secured a 2-1 away win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Hugo Ekitike added a second goal before a late Richarlison strike for nine-man Spurs created a nervy finish.
Manager Arne Slot admitted the final minutes tarnished an otherwise positive performance. "The thing in football is you always remember the last few minutes and they were the worst minutes of our total game," Slot said. "If I can calm down a little bit and erase that from my memory I think there is a lot to like in our performance."
The coming weeks will be crucial for Liverpool's season, as the club's hierarchy weighs up a strategic January response to the loss of their marquee forward, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning.
