Alexander Isak’s first season at Liverpool has suffered another major setback after the club confirmed the Swedish striker has undergone surgery on a broken left leg, dealing an early blow to both player and club at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Liverpool announced on Monday that the 26-year-old had “successfully undergone surgery” on an ankle injury that included a fractured fibula. While the club did not provide a definitive timetable for his return, Isak is expected to be sidelined for several months as he begins rehabilitation at the AXA training centre.
Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday.— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2025
“Following diagnosis, surgery was completed today on an ankle injury which included a fractured fibula…Isaac’s rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA training centre, with no time frame set for his return yet,” Liverpool said in a statement.
The injury occurred during Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham on Saturday. Isak came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring moments after his introduction. However, Micky van de Ven hit him with a heavy tackle as he hit the ball and was left in clear discomfort. Unable to continue, Isak was helped off the pitch by Liverpool’s medical staff.
The setback is another frustrating chapter in a stop-start debut season at Anfield. Signed for a British record £125m from Newcastle on deadline day in September, Isak arrived without a full pre-season following a lengthy summer of training alone at former club Real Sociedad. Earlier in the window, he was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with what was described as a minor thigh problem, amid uncertainty over his future.
Isak made his Liverpool debut in the Champions League win over Atlético Madrid in mid-September and scored his first goal for the club against Southampton soon after. However, fitness problems and inconsistency limited his rhythm, the first league goal not arriving until West Ham on 30 November. His strike against Tottenham was his third goal in 16 games for Arne Slot.
The injury is also a cause for concern in Sweden, which is set to play in the World Cup play-offs in March. Isak’s availability for these devices now looks doubtful.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will have to adapt without their signing. Mohamed Salah remains away for the Africa Cup of Nations, so much of the attacking responsibility falls on Hugo Ekitike. The French forward has impressed since his arrival, scoring 11 goals this season, including one against Spurs, and has found form at a vital time.
Despite earlier problems which saw Liverpool slip down the table between September and November, recent wins over Brighton and Tottenham have taken them joint fifth on points with Chelsea. Isak’s absence is a significant blow, but Liverpool will be hoping their renewed momentum will push them forward while the striker focuses on his recovery.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 23, 2025
