2025-12-23 14:31:41
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak will be sidelined for a “couple of months” after suffering a fractured leg in what manager Arne Slot described as a “reckless” challenge by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
The 26-year-old Sweden international scored before being injured in Saturday’s (20.12.25) 2-1 Premier League win over Spurs, with The Reds later confirming he had undergone surgery on his left leg.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s fixtures, Slot said: “The most injuries we have are not related to overloading.
“When you look at Alex’s injury, it has nothing to do with overloading the player. It was a reckless challenge.
“I’ve said a lot about the tackle of Xavi Simons [on Virgil van Dijk], which for me was completely unintentional. But the tackle of [Micky] van de Ven, if you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a chance the player gets a serious injury.”
Slot added: “It’s going to be a long injury. A couple of months. That’s a big, big disappointment for him and also for us.”
Liverpool confirmed earlier this week that no initial timeframe had been placed on Isak’s recovery, but Slot’s update is a major blow as the Reds look to cement their position in the top four.
Isak has been a key figure since arriving at Anfield, leading the line as a central striker and offering pace, movement and clinical finishing.
The injury compounds a growing list of fitness issues for Slot.
Defensive midfielder Wataru Endo, 32, and centre-back Joe Gomez, 28, are both ruled out, while winger Cody Gakpo, 26, and right-back Conor Bradley, 22, remain doubtful.
Slot said: “Conor Bradley will be 50/50. He is not training with us today or tomorrow. On Friday we will see where he exactly is and whether he can be in the squad for the weekend.
“Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo won’t be available, and Cody Gakpo is similar to Conor.”
There was more encouraging news regarding wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, 25, who has struggled with injuries since his arrival.
Slot confirmed the Netherlands international could be ready to start after being limited to a short cameo against Spurs.
The manager said: “He was on a maximum of 30 minutes at the weekend as he’s been out quite a long time. He’s able to start this weekend, if I make that decision.”
Liverpool face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (27.12.25) before a demanding run over the festive period, including home games against Leeds United on New Year’s Day (01.01.26) and a trip to Fulham, followed by an away clash with Arsenal on January 8.
Slot added: “Everybody needs to roll their sleeves up to have the best possible chance of a good outcome in the next two games.”
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