When a record-breaking signing turns into a nightmare, the consequences go far beyond the pitch.
Liverpool are facing a major setback as striker Alexander Isak risks a long-term absence following a serious injury in the 2-1 victory over Tottenham on December 21. Early assessments suggest the damage is severe.
Isak joined Liverpool in the summer of 2025 for a staggering £125 million from Newcastle. Just as he seemed to be finding his rhythm—scoring his third goal for the club and opening the scoring against Spurs—his progress was brutally interrupted. For the Swedish forward, this moment was supposed to mark a turning point after struggling to adapt at Anfield.
Yet tragedy struck after a collision with Micky Van de Ven. According to journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic and Sky Sports, MRI scans are likely to confirm a leg fracture, ruling Isak out for approximately three months. This is not only a sporting blow but also a financial one: Liverpool stand to lose nearly £3.87 million in wages over 13 weeks, given Isak’s £300,000 weekly salary.
The timing could hardly be worse. With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool’s attacking options are already depleted. Isak had featured in 16 matches across all competitions this season, though he previously missed five games due to a thigh injury between October and November. If recovery goes as planned, he may return in mid-March, coincidentally against Tottenham at Anfield.
From a broader perspective, the injury raises questions about Liverpool’s squad depth and their reliance on marquee signings. Manager Arne Slot had just steadied the team after a poor run, guiding them to six unbeaten matches. Losing Isak now threatens to disrupt that fragile momentum. Some see this as bad luck, others as the risk of investing heavily in a player with a history of injuries. Either way, the impact on Liverpool’s ambitions this season will be significant.
