While Liverpool won 2-1 against Tottenham in North London this weekend, the victory was overshadowed by a devastating injury to record signing Alexander Isak.
The Swede, who arrived at Anfield for a staggering £125 million in the summer, scored Liverpool’s first goal in the 56th minute.
However, the goal came at a great cost. Following a heavy challenge from Micky van de Ven, Isak appeared to be clutching his lower leg in visible pain and had to be helped off the pitch by medical staff.
With Arne Slot’s attacking options already slim, this strike could change the course of Liverpool’s season and open a window for one forgotten star to finally get the spotlight.
Alexander Isak will be sidelined for months
The severity of the situation was confirmed by David Ornstein of The Athletic. Taking it from X, Ornstein gave a worrying injury update:
“Alexander Isak sidelined with suspected broken leg in challenge for Liverpool’s win over Spurs. #LFC is yet to comment on severity but scans ready to confirm fear of fractured left side; recovery time usually a few months.”
? Alexander Isak has been sidelined with a suspected broken leg in challenging Liverpool’s win at Spurs. #LFC however to comment on the difficulty but the scans are ready to confirm the fear of fracture on the left side; recovery time is usually several months @TheAthleticFC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 21, 2025
While the club is officially waiting for the final results of the scan, the word “suspected leg fracture” suggests that Isak will not return until the spring of 2026.
For a player who was just beginning to find his feet at Anfield, the timing, which happened just as he scored his second Premier League goal, was not cruel.
Isak’s injury is an opportunity for Federico Chiesa
The problem in Liverpool got worse with this update. Arne Slot is currently navigating a perfect storm of absences in the forward line:
- Mohamed Salah: He is currently on international duty with Egypt for the AFCON.
- Cody Gakpo: Sidelined with a hamstring injury until at least early January.
- Alexander Isak: He is facing layoffs for several months with a broken leg.
With Hugo Ekitike the only other known senior striker, Slot has reached the point where he can no longer leave Federico Chiesa on the bench.
Apart from being voted by the fans as Player of the Month for September, the Italian midfielder has been used mostly as an “impact sub” in the 2025/26 campaign.
Chiesa has been quiet when called upon, notably providing two assists in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton and scoring a crucial goal against Crystal Palace, however a consistent first run has been difficult.
Now, with less options in the Slot, the manager can finally turn to Chiesa to fill the void in the sides.
Time for Chiesa to prove Slot wrong
Federico Chiesa’s 2025/26 season has been a masterpiece in professional endurance. While many players would have been frustrated by the lack of early minutes, Chiesa let his football do the talking.
Fans have been talking about his infectious energy and handling ability, often questioning why Slott prioritized other options when Chiesa looks like the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Isak’s injury, although painful, could be the last moment for the former Juventus man.
If Chiesa can translate his impact as a starter, he might give Slot something to think about.
