Daijiworld Media Network - Liverpool

Liverpool, Dec 23: Liverpool striker Alexander Isak will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery on Monday to repair a broken ankle and fibula. The Swedish forward, who joined Liverpool this season for a British-record $170 million, suffered the injury during a tackle by Micky van de Ven while scoring in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham.

“After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture,” Liverpool said in a statement. “Isak’s rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return.”

The injury comes after a turbulent season for the 26-year-old, who only arrived in Liverpool in September following a prolonged transfer from Newcastle, missing preseason. He was gradually integrated into Arne Slot’s squad, but a groin injury delayed his full participation. So far, Isak has made 10 starts and scored three goals for the Premier League champions.

Isak’s absence also raises concerns for Sweden, who will face Ukraine in the European World Cup playoff semifinals in March.

Liverpool manager Slot is already without Mohamed Salah, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving the club to rely on Hugo Ekitike to lead the attack. The France international has been in fine form, scoring five goals in his past three league games, including one against Tottenham.

Liverpool, meanwhile, is on a six-game unbeaten streak after a difficult run from September to November that saw them lose six out of seven league games. Back-to-back wins against Brighton and Tottenham have lifted the club to fifth place, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.