Liverpool stunned by Isak setback following surgery for fractured leg

Liverpool forward Alexander Isak is set for an extended absence after the Premier League title holders announced he underwent surgery for an ankle problem involving a fibula break on Monday.

The 26-year-old, who joined from Newcastle for a UK record £125 million ($168 million) in September, picked up the issue while netting in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday.

Isak was challenged by Tottenham's Micky van de Ven and hobbled away right after finding the net.

"Alexander Isak underwent successful surgery today for the injury from Saturday," read a club statement.

"Following assessment, the procedure addressed an ankle issue with a fibula fracture.

"Rehab will proceed at the AXA Training Centre, though no return date has been set."

This latest problem marks another hurdle in Isak's tough adaptation to Liverpool.

Since his drawn-out transfer to Anfield, he has managed only three goals in 16 outings.

A row with Newcastle led to him missing a full pre-season, leaving him short on match sharpness compared to his squad mates.

Then a groin problem halted his progress.

Without Isak, manager Arne Slot faces a significant challenge, especially with Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo sidelined by a muscle issue until the new year.

Slot is left relying on Hugo Ekitike, who has netted five times in his last four matches, and the seldom-seen Federico Chiesa as his main strikers.

Tough break indeed

"This is a massive loss as Liverpool seemed short of attacking options already," said ex-Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.

"Such unfortunate timing for Isak. It might be our initial real look at his true potential in a Liverpool jersey."

The Reds, after their title defence faltered amid a poor streak, have risen to fifth place by stretching their unbeaten run in the league to five fixtures.

Right after the match, Slot called the injury "far from ideal".

Now, he must prepare without Isak for some time.

This could prompt Liverpool to seek reinforcements up front in January.

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo has been rumoured as a target for Anfield, and Carragher noted: "Everyone knows about his January release clause, plus with wide men like Salah and Gakpo who can shift centrally after heavy minutes."

The setback with Isak might convince Liverpool to retain Salah, amid speculation of a Saudi switch after his outburst about feeling undermined by the club and estranged from Slot.

That frustration, voiced after three straight benchings, saw him dropped from the Champions League squad versus Inter Milan.

Yet he came back off the bench against Brighton prior to departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.

"I reckon Mo Salah is definitely sticking around now. Harvey Elliott could also return early from his Aston Villa loan," added Carragher.