Liverpool brace for lengthy Isak layoff after Tottenham injury; ACL ruled out

Liverpool fear a lengthy layoff for record signing Alexander Isak after he limped out of Saturday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham with what the club described as a lower-leg issue. Isak, who arrived from Newcastle in September for £125 million, fired the opener before he was forced off early in the second half following a heavy challenge from Mickey van der Ven. The Sweden forward required assistance from Liverpool’s lead physiotherapist Chris Morgan and club doctor Jonathon Power as he left the pitch, leaving players and staff instinctively braced for the worst.

There was immediate scrutiny on the seriousness of the injury amid social-media speculation that Isak could have torn cruciate ligaments and meniscal damage. Liverpool publicly pushed back against those theories, insisting the situation would be clarified by medical tests. On Sunday, Isak underwent scans that ruled out ACL involvement, but confirmed damage to his lower left leg from the scissor-action contact just above the ankle. The club said results will drive the next steps, though they are prepared for a prolonged layoff as they plot a return path for their record signing.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the uncertainty that follows any major injury, saying after the game, “We’ll have to wait and see. But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing.” While the response from the medical staff suggested caution, Slot’s comment underscored the club’s priority: understand the extent of the issue before mapping a timetable for Isak’s return.

The episode adds to a challenging spell for Isak since he swapped Tyneside for Merseyside. He arrived lacking full match fitness and endured a groin problem against Eintracht Frankfurt in his early responsibilities at the club. After a slower start, he found form enough to bag his first Premier League goal in a victory at West Ham last month, and his run against Tottenham appeared to demonstrate why Liverpool pursued him as a British transfer record signing. Now the forward faces a substantial spell on the sidelines, with no precise return date available until the medical review is complete and a rehabilitation plan is agreed.

The injury compounds Liverpool’s latest selection headaches up front. Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, which leaves Hugo Ekitike as the club’s only fit central striker. The absence of Isak, combined with Salah’s absence, could force Liverpool to recalibrate their attack and tactics, at least in the short term, as they navigate a fixture calendar that demands goals and consistency.

Club officials have made clear they will not rush Isak back, prioritizing long-term health and a safe return to full fitness. In the meantime, Liverpool will rely on a mix of squad depth and potential loan or transfer options depending on how long Isak remains sidelined, while staff monitor Isak’s progress and adjust training loads accordingly. The timeline for Isak’s return remains unclear, but the club’s optimism will hinge on a steady rehabilitation process rather than a quick fix.

As the club files through medical assessments and rehab planning, supporters will hope Isak’s setback proves temporary and that he can rejoin the squad in the New Year with his match sharpness restored. Until then, Liverpool’s focus will be on grinding out results with the resources available and waiting for a clearer signal on when their record signing can contribute again.