Liverpool have been dealt a severe injury blow with the confirmation that star striker Alexander Isak faces a prolonged period out of action after fracturing his leg.
Injury confirmed after Tottenham victory
The Sweden international sustained the significant injury during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League victory away to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, 21 December 2025. Isak had opened the scoring for the reigning champions in North London but was hurt in the process of netting the goal.
The striker was in immediate and obvious distress following a challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, who was attempting to block the shot. Isak was unable to continue and did not return to the pitch, a sight that immediately concerned manager Arne Slot and the Liverpool medical staff.
While fears of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury were quickly dismissed, the club harboured concerns over a "significant" issue. Those fears were realised on Monday, 22 December, when the club confirmed the diagnosis of a fractured leg following scans, as first reported by The Echo.
Slot's immediate reaction and red card controversy
Speaking after the match on Saturday, Liverpool boss Arne Slot indicated his worry based on the player's reaction. "I don’t have any news on him," Slot told reporters. "But if a player scores and then gets injured, and doesn’t come back on the pitch, doesn’t try to come back... that is usually not a good thing."
The incident itself has sparked debate, as Van de Ven was not shown a card by the match officials. However, analysis on Sky Sports' Ref Watch by former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd argued the challenge warranted a red card.
"Van de Ven has not intentionally tried to hurt Isak. Obviously, he is desperate to stop a goal," Bothroyd said. "This is an example where, yes, Isak has scored, but it should still be a red card. He's lunging, he's going into him... If that's in the middle of the park, that's a red card."
Major setback for Liverpool's campaign
The confirmation of a fractured leg represents the worst-case scenario for Liverpool and is a massive setback to their Premier League title defence. Isak is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with his recovery timeline likely to span several months.
His absence leaves a considerable void in Liverpool's attack, depriving Slot of a key goalscorer during a busy and critical period of the season. The injury overshadows what was an important three points for the Reds, who saw Tottenham finish the game with nine men after red cards for Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero.
The club will now need to assess their options and adapt their plans in the January transfer window as they cope without one of their most potent attacking threats.
