Isak was forced off after just 15 minutes in Liverpool’s 2–1 win over Tottenham after coming off the bench at half-time to score the opener but was injured in the process.
The Alexander Isak Injury: A Quick Look
• ACL excluded: Liverpool have ruled out a season-ending ACL tear, but The Athletic reports that a serious injury to the lower leg is now feared.
• Long-term layoff: The mood surrounding Isak’s injury is somber as there are concerns he could be sidelined months.
• Shortage of strikers: Now that Isaac is sidelined, Hugo Ekitike remains the club’s only fit senior No.9, while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are also unavailable.
• January solution: Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as a primary target; he has one Release clause of £65 million active during the first two weeks of January.
There were immediate concerns that the number 9 had suffered a cruciate ligament injury as a result of the contact made by Micky van de Ven’s horrific challenge, but the club have now ruled that out.
But according to widespread sources including The Athletics’s David Ornstein, Liverpool are harboring growing concerns that Isak could be out for the long term.
The injury is Isak’s lower legis suspected to be significant and a further diagnosis will be made on Sunday after an MRI scan.
It will leave Hugo Ekitike as Liverpool’s only established centre-forward Federico Chiesa available as cover, at a time when both Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are also unavailable due to international duty and injury respectively.
Isak’s injury is expected to rule him out for several months, rather than weeks, after initial hopes within the squad that he could avoid a serious problem.
Given the timing of this latest setback, it would come as no surprise if Liverpool turned to the transfer market for a new striker in January.
Will Liverpool sign a new striker in January?
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo appears to be the leading candidate, with known interest in the Ghanaian, who is available for £65 million in the first two weeks of the window due to a release clause in his contract.
Liverpool are not the only side considering a move for Semenyo, with Man United, Man City and Tottenham all mentioned as candidates.
But his proven quality, Premier League experience and versatility – he can play on either flank and as a striker – could make him an ideal addition to Arne Slot’s side.
Crucially, Semenyo is also eligible as a homegrown player, meaning there will be no need to clear space in the squad before he is registered if signed.
Frequently asked questions
Will Alexander Isak miss the rest of the season?
No. By ruling out an ACL injury, Liverpool have ensured Isak can play again this season. However, he is expected to be a significant number of months depending on the scan results.
Who is Liverpool’s top target in Isak’s long-term absence?
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is the first candidate. He has one Release clause of £65 million which is active during the first two weeks of January.
How many fit strikers do Liverpool have at the moment?
Now that Isaac is injured, Hugo Ekitike is the only fit senior striker. Federico Chiesa remains available as a versatile coverage option.
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