While Liverpool secured a vital 2-1 win over Tottenham in North London this weekend, the victory has been overshadowed by a devastating injury to record-signing Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international, who arrived at Anfield for a staggering £125 million in the summer scored the opening goal for Liverpool in the 56th minute.

However, the goal came at a massive cost. Following a heavy challenge from Micky van de Ven, Isak was seen clutching his lower leg in visible agony and had to be assisted off the pitch by medical staff.

With the attacking options at Arne Slot’s disposal already stretched thin, this blow could fundamentally shift the trajectory of Liverpool’s season and open the door for one forgotten star to finally reclaim the spotlight.

Alexander Isak to be sidelined for months

The gravity of the situation has been confirmed by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. Taking to X, Ornstein provided a worrying injury update:

“Alexander Isak set for period on sidelines with suspected leg break from challenge in Liverpool win at Spurs. #LFC yet to comment on severity but scans poised to confirm fears of fracture to left side; recovery time typically a few months.”

? Alexander Isak set for period on sidelines with suspected leg break from challenge in Liverpool win at Spurs. #LFC yet to comment on severity but scans poised to confirm fears of fracture to left side; recovery time typically a few months @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/nx5WAMrgRH

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 21, 2025

While the club is officially awaiting final scan results, the “suspected leg break” terminology suggests Isak will not return until well into the spring of 2026.

For a player who was just beginning to find his feet at Anfield, the timing, occurring exactly as he scored his second Premier League goal, is nothing short of cruel.

Isak’s injury an opportunity for Federico Chiesa

The crisis at Liverpool has worsened with this update. Arne Slot is currently navigating a perfect storm of absences in the forward line:

• Mohamed Salah: Currently on international duty with Egypt for AFCON.
• Cody Gakpo: Sidelined with a muscular injury until at least early January.
• Alexander Isak: Facing a multi-month layoff with a fractured leg.

With Hugo Ekitike as the only other recognised senior striker, Slot has reached a point where he can no longer afford to leave Federico Chiesa on the bench.

Despite being voted the September Player of the Month by fans, the Italian winger has largely been used as an “impact sub” throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Chiesa has consistently delivered when called upon, notably providing two assists in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton and scoring a crucial goal against Crystal Palace, yet a consistent run of starts has remained elusive.

Now, with the options thin for Slot, the manager could finally turn to Chiesa to fill the void on the flanks.

Time for Chiesa to prove Slot wrong

Federico Chiesa’s 2025/26 season has been a masterclass in professional patience. While many players would have grown frustrated with a lack of starting minutes, Chiesa has let his football do the talking.

Fans have been vocal about his infectious energy and clutch ability, often questioning why Slot has prioritised other options when Chiesa looks like the most dangerous player on the pitch.

The Isak injury, while tragic, could serve as the ultimate moment for the former Juventus man.

If Chiesa can translate his substitute impact into a run of starting performances, he could potentially give Slot something to think about.

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Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening to continue their recent improved form with a third win in a row.

The Reds admittedly had a bit of a gift from Spurs, however, who were reduced to ten men in the first half after a stupid and reckless challenge by Xavi Simons on Virgil van Dijk.

Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike then scored for Liverpool to give them what should’ve been a comfortable lead, only for Richarlison to pull one back and make things nervy late on.

Overall, though, Liverpool players can be happy with how they performed in what is always a tricky away game.

Liverpool player ratings in 2-1 win vs Tottenham

Alisson Becker – 7.5 – This wasn’t exactly the best Spurs side Alisson will have come up against, but he did well to make four saves in total, even if there wasn’t much he could do for Richarlison’s late strike, which was more down to poor defending.

Conor Bradley – 6 – Some decent moments going forward, but Conor Bradley still looks a little inconsistent at this level, while an injury problem meant he was replaced at half time anyway.

Ibrahima Konate – 7 – A strong showing for the most part, and better than some of the games he’s had this season, though let down slightly for picking up an unnecessary yellow card.

Virgil van Dijk – 7 – Mostly pretty commanding at the back and a threat in the air from set pieces for Liverpool, though mis-kicked a clearance late on that allowed Richarlison to score.

Milos Kerkez – 6 – A solid if unspectacular display from the Liverpool left-back, who is slowly and steadily becoming more reliable after a difficult start to life at Anfield.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8 – Mr Reliable in midfield for Liverpool, it was once again a fine all-round display from Ryan Gravenberch as he fought for every ball and kept play ticking.

Curtis Jones – 6 – A solid performer since coming into the team, but perhaps a bit too cautious with his passing, often choosing the safe option when he could do more to help drive the team forward.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 7 – Once again a key man for Liverpool as he continues to be one of their best performers of the season, though understandably contributed slightly less when asked to fill in at right-back again.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6 – Not bad, but not at his best either, with a lack of the kind of spark and quality he’s usually more than capable of showing with his passing and shooting.

Florian Wirtz – 8.5 – Probably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt, with a neat assist for the Isak goal. Wirtz finally looked like a major threat throughout this game as he was statistically the player of the match, as per WhoScored.

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Huge Ekitike – 8 – A man in great form in front of goal, Hugo Ekitike did his job once again with a well-taken header to make it 2-0 not long after Isak’s opener. A real threat up front, on a run now of five goals in his last three Premier League games.

Subs: Alexander Isak – 7, Jeremie Frimpong – 7, Federico Chiesa – 7, Trey Nyoni – N/A, Andy Robertson – N/A

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