Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a broken ankle and fibula, an injury sustained during Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win against Tottenham. The British-record $170 million (or Premier League record £125m) signing suffered the injury during a tackle by Micky van de Ven while scoring Liverpool's opening goal, leading to his immediate withdrawal from the game.

Liverpool confirmed on Monday that Isak successfully underwent surgery on the ankle injury, which included a fibula fracture. While no specific timeframe has been given for his return, the club stated that his rehabilitation would continue at the AXA Training Centre, with expectations that he could be out for at least a few months. This absence is not only a significant blow to Liverpool's campaign but also potentially impacts Sweden's chances in the European playoffs for the World Cup in March, where they are set to face Ukraine.

The injury marks the latest setback in what has been a challenging season for the 26-year-old forward. His protracted move from Newcastle in the summer meant he arrived at Liverpool in September without the benefit of a full preseason. After gradually being eased into Arne Slot's team to regain sharpness, a subsequent groin injury kept him out of the lineup for another month. In total, Isak has made just 10 starts for the Premier League champions, scoring three goals.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher defended Micky van de Ven's tackle, describing it as "just really bad luck for Isak" and a challenge he would likely make to block a shot. Carragher acknowledged the injury as a "huge blow" for Liverpool, particularly noting that the team was already short an attacker. He also shared his thoughts on the January transfer window, believing that Mohamed Salah will now certainly stay at the club, and there's a good chance Harvey Elliott will return from Aston Villa. While Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo has been linked, Carragher suggested Liverpool wouldn't go out and buy a striker they don't genuinely want, given their existing wide options like Salah and Cody Gakpo, who can also play through the middle.

Manager Arne Slot is currently facing a period with key players absent, as Mohamed Salah is also away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The goal-scoring burden is now expected to fall more heavily on Hugo Ekitike, another new recruit this season. The France international has already proven his capability, having scored 11 goals for Liverpool, including one against Tottenham and five in his past three league games. He now has a prime opportunity to establish himself as the focal point of Liverpool's attack.

Despite the injury woes, Liverpool has shown strong recent form, embarking on a six-game unbeaten streak. This resurgence comes after a difficult period from September to November where their title defense faltered, leading to six losses in seven league games and a tumble down the standings. However, back-to-back wins against Brighton and Tottenham have propelled Slot's team back up to fifth place, level on points with Chelsea in fourth, highlighting their resilience amidst challenges.