Liverpool forward Isak picked up an injury in the Premier League, with the exact seriousness still under assessment.
Should the injury be confirmed as a fracture to his left leg, he is likely to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, a setback that would heavily affect Liverpool’s efforts across multiple competitions this season.
Liverpool earned a 2-1 away victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League last Saturday. Isak scored in the match but was then on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Van de Ven. Reports suggest he may have fractured his left leg, although full confirmation is not expected until closer to Christmas. If the worst-case scenario is confirmed, Isak could be sidelined for around three months or possibly longer, dealing a significant blow to Slot and his squad.
Assuming a three-month absence with a projected return around March 20th, Isak would miss 13 Premier League fixtures. Among them is the key away match against Arsenal on January 8th, a game that could play a decisive role in the title race. He would also be unavailable for the encounter with his former club Newcastle on January 31st and the high-profile showdown with Manchester City on February 8th. Additional league matches he would miss include games against Leeds United, Fulham, Burnley, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and two fixtures versus Wolves.
In cup competitions, Liverpool are already out of the League Cup but remain in contention in the FA Cup. A three-month layoff would rule Isak out of the third-round tie against League One side Barnsley at Anfield on January 12th. Should Liverpool progress, the striker could also miss the fourth-round match scheduled for around February 14th and the fifth round expected around March 7th.
Isak’s availability in the Champions League is also in doubt. He is almost certain to miss Liverpool’s final two league-stage matches against Marseille on January 21st and Qarabag the following week. With Liverpool currently ninth in the standings, a finish in that position would require them to compete in the February play-offs, which Isak would likely also miss. Even if Liverpool advance, the Round of 16 ties on March 10/11 and March 17/18 may still come too soon for his return.
Overall, across all competitions, Isak could be absent for as many as 22 matches for Liverpool.
