Liverpool, the reigning champions, awaits the results of examinations that are feared to confirm a broken leg for their Swedish striker Alexander Isak. The injury occurred during the win over Tottenham in the English Premier League. Isak, who joined Liverpool for a record fee in English league history (144 million euros), got hurt while opening the scoring (2-1) in London on Saturday following a challenge from Tottenham's Dutch defender Mickey van de Ven. The 26-year-old Isak, who came on as a substitute in the second half, was unable to celebrate with his teammates and left the pitch with clear frustration. Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted that the injury "does not look good." He explained, "If a player doesn't even try to come back, it's usually not a good sign, but I can't say more than that." He added, "It's just a gut feeling, not a medical thing... Let's be less negative for now. We hope he comes back with us soon." Reports from The Athletic and Sky Sports on Monday suggest Liverpool fears Isak has a broken leg, which would mean a long-term absence. Isak's injury is another setback for Slot, with star striker Mohamed Salah away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and Dutchman Cody Gakpo not fit until the new year due to a muscle injury. Slot has two attacking options left: Frenchman Ugo Ekitike, who has scored five goals in his last four matches, and Italian Federico Chiesa, who has had limited playing time. Liverpool currently sits fifth in the Premier League table after a five-match unbeaten run. The full results of the scans are not yet known.
