What should have been Isak’s defining Liverpool moment turned into a nightmare within seconds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Swedish striker came off the bench at half-time, broke the deadlock with a crisp finish in the 56th minute, and was immediately floored by a full-speed challenge from Micky van de Ven that left his leg trapped awkwardly beneath the contact.

There was no celebration from Liverpool’s new number nine, only clear distress as he signaled urgently for medical help while teammates waved on the physios. After several minutes of treatment, Isak limped off with assistance and was replaced by Jeremie Frimpong, his goal ultimately helping secure a 2-1 win over nine-man Spurs but casting a shadow over the night.

Fears of a fracture and Slot’s reaction

Initial reports from The Athletic and other outlets indicated Liverpool fear Isak may have suffered a lower-leg fracture, with early scans and examinations raising the possibility of a lengthy layoff. The club is awaiting full MRI results to determine the precise damage and recovery timeline, but the internal mood around the injury has been described as deeply concerned rather than cautiously optimistic.

Arne Slot struck a somber tone afterward, admitting he had a bad “gut feeling” about the severity given that Isak could not even attempt to continue, unlike Conor Bradley, who also went off injured. The Dutch coach acknowledged that seeing a striker score and then walk straight down the tunnel is “never a good sign,” hinting that Liverpool are bracing themselves for confirmation of a serious problem.

Tactical headache and attacking reshuffle

Isak’s setback arrives just as he was beginning to find rhythm after his high-profile move from Newcastle, with the Tottenham strike his second league goal for Liverpool following a winner against West Ham. Slot had been rotating him with Hugo Ekitike at center forward, using the Swede as an impact option in games where Liverpool needed extra punch in the final third.

With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Ekitike already carrying a heavy workload, a long absence for Isak would force Liverpool to lean even more on their depth and possibly accelerate decisions on recalls or January business. What was supposed to be the night Isak truly announced himself as a Liverpool striker may instead be remembered as the moment a promising season was violently stalled by a cruel collision in north London.