Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has undergone successful surgery for a fractured fibula sustained while scoring the opener in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham Hotspur. Following the club's Monday confirmation with no return timeline, the injury exacerbates attacking issues with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 26-year-old Sweden international suffered the lower-leg injury when his foot became trapped between the legs of Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven during his goal attempt. "Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday," Liverpool stated. "After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. No time frame (is) yet placed on his return."
Isak joined Liverpool in September from Newcastle United for a British record £125 million, where he had scored 54 Premier League goals in 86 games. Debuting against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League due to fitness concerns, he has managed only two league goals in 10 appearances and none in five Champions League matches. His first Liverpool goal came in a League Cup win over Southampton.
Currently fifth in the Premier League and 10 points behind leaders Arsenal, Liverpool now leans on new signing Hugo Ekitike, who has eight league goals including five in his last three games. With Salah's future uncertain and his ongoing international duty, the January transfer window may bring reinforcements.