Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that striker Alexander Isak is expected to be sidelined for several months after sustaining a broken leg during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Isak suffered the serious injury while scoring the opening goal on Saturday, following a heavy sliding challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven inside the penalty area that went unpunished and later sparked controversy.

The Sweden international underwent surgery on Monday to repair a broken ankle and fibula. While the club has not provided a definitive return timeline, Slot admitted the setback is a major disappointment for both the player and the team. Despite the severity of the injury, there remains cautious optimism within the club that Isak could still return before the end of the season.

Slot did not hide his frustration over Van de Ven’s challenge, describing it as reckless and drawing comparisons with an earlier incident involving Xavi Simons. While Simons was sent off for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk that Slot described as unintentional, the Liverpool manager argued that Van de Ven’s tackle carried a repeated risk of causing serious injury, reigniting debate across the Premier League.

Isak’s absence further compounds Liverpool’s growing injury problems. Cody Gakpo remains sidelined with a muscle issue, while Mohamed Salah is away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, limiting Slot’s attacking options. The manager explained that not all injuries are linked to player workload, noting that Isak’s and Wataru Endo’s issues were unrelated, unlike the muscle problems affecting Gakpo and Joe Gomez.

Ahead of the next round of fixtures, Conor Bradley is rated 50/50 after missing training, while Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are ruled out. Gakpo’s availability also remains uncertain. Despite the mounting challenges, Slot insists his focus remains on upcoming clashes with Wolves and Leeds United, urging players to dig deep and calling on supporters to provide their usual support during a demanding stretch of the campaign.