An injury expert indicates that Liverpool will certainly manage despite Isak's several-month injury absence, emphasizing that a replacement is unnecessary in the winter transfer window due to sufficient squad depth.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Alexander Isak, Liverpool's high-value striker, was injured after a collision with Micky van de Ven following a goal and was assisted off the field by medical staff during Liverpool's 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday.
Liverpool issued a statement after specialist medical assessment confirming the 26-year-old underwent surgery for an ankle injury, including a fibula fracture. He has begun rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre, with no definite return date but expected to be out for several months.
Nevertheless, injury expert Ben Dinnery analyzed that Liverpool need not spend time seeking a top-level Isak replacement in the January transfer window, as manager Jürgen Klopp already has adequate attacking options.
“My initial thought is that Liverpool do not need to find a solution for Isak’s injury in January. Isak is expected to return before season’s end, and the team already has sufficient attacking depth,” Dinnery said.
“Clear alternatives to cover for Isak include Hugo Ekitike, while Mohamed Salah will return in January after the AFCON. The club might also push Dominic Soboslai into a three-attacker formation.”
“The question for Liverpool is whether they can recruit a player of first-team striker quality. Any target must be assessed for long-term fit, considering the club already has Ekitike and Isak. Also, January fees are often inflated, and selling clubs hold more bargaining power.”
Regarding Isak’s condition, Dinnery expects he could be back on the pitch by around March but advises the club to also prepare for the 2026-27 season.
“A fibula fracture typically requires 6-8 weeks’ recovery depending on severity, but ankle issues and prior surgery complicate rehab. The process may face setbacks; very few recover smoothly in such cases.”
“Before injury, Isak was showing form close to his Newcastle standards, with improving fitness after missing the entire pre-season.”
“In reality, he is likely to return late in the season, gradually regaining fitness with limited game time, while focusing mainly on a strong pre-season for the next year.”