Liverpool are anxiously awaiting scan results after fears grew that their British record signing, Alexander Isak, sustained a broken leg during the team's hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on December 20, 2025. The Swedish international, who joined from Newcastle United in a £125 million deal in September 2025, was injured in the act of scoring the opening goal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Isak, introduced as a halftime substitute, latched onto a precise pass from Florian Wirtz in the 56th minute and finished clinically past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. However, as Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven slid in late, Isak landed awkwardly, immediately signaling distress. He received on-pitch treatment but was helped off by medical staff, unable to continue, and was replaced by Jeremie Frimpong.
Post-match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed concern but urged caution pending medical confirmation. “If a player doesn’t even try to come back, that is usually not a good thing, but I cannot say anything more than that,” Slot told reporters. “That is just a gut feeling and nothing medical… let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet.” Initial assessments ruled out an ACL tear, but reports indicate a suspected fracture in the lower leg, potentially sidelining the 26-year-old for several months.
Hugo Ekitike doubled Liverpool's lead with a header in the 66th minute, but the Reds endured a nervy finish after Richarlison pulled one back late for Tottenham, who played with nine men following red cards to Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero. The win extended Liverpool's unbeaten league run to five matches, lifting them to fifth in the Premier League table as of December 22, 2025.
Isak's disrupted start at Anfield has been marked by fitness issues. Arriving without a full pre-season due to a protracted transfer saga and contractual dispute with Newcastle, he struggled initially before a groin injury sidelined him for four games in October-November. In 16 appearances across all competitions, Isak has scored just three goals—his strike against Tottenham marking only his second in the Premier League.
A prolonged absence would compound Liverpool's attacking woes. Mohamed Salah is currently representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (December 21, 2025–January 18, 2026), while Cody Gakpo remains out with a muscle injury sustained earlier in December, not expected back until early 2026. This leaves in-form Hugo Ekitike—who has netted five goals in his last four appearances and 11 overall this season—and the infrequently used Federico Chiesa as the primary senior forward options.
The £125 million transfer, completed on deadline day, shattered the previous British record and highlighted Liverpool's ambition under Slot to bolster their attack. However, integration challenges and injuries have delayed Isak's impact, with fellow summer arrival Ekitike (£79 million from Eintracht Frankfurt) adapting more swiftly.
Liverpool's recent resurgence—from a poor run earlier in the season—has seen them climb the table, but the potential loss of Isak threatens to derail momentum during a congested festive fixture schedule. The club is set to host Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 27, with further tests ahead.
This latest setback underscores the physical demands on modern forwards and the risks of high-profile transfers amid fitness concerns. As scans confirm the diagnosis, attention turns to rehabilitation timelines and possible January reinforcements.
