No sooner had Alexander Isak scored Liverpool’s first purpose tonight than he was compelled off with damage, having solely been on the sector for little greater than 10 minutes after changing Conor Bradley at half-time.
In ending to the online from Florian Wirtz’s by way of ball, the Swedish striker was caught by a mistimed lunge from Micky van de Ven and was unable to proceed, hobbling off the pitch to get replaced by Jeremie Frimpong (who himself was later substituted for Federico Chiesa).
It was extremely merciless on the 26-year-old, who’d netted simply his third purpose for the Reds after his £125m switch, and Gary Neville described it as a ‘unhappy sight’ to witness our quantity 9 leaving the sector of play in clear misery.
Damage analyst points Isak verdict
Soccer damage analyst Physio Scout on X supplied an preliminary prognosis on Isak shortly after full-time tonight, albeit with the caveat that it’s merely an ‘educated guess’ for now.
They posted: ‘Off preliminary look, it appears to be an ACL damage (+/- meniscus). Preliminary contact was made with the ankle, however the knee was compelled right into a valgus place, which brings ACL/MCL into query. He was in a position to stroll off, which seemingly guidelines out any decrease leg fracture. Was clutching on the knee.
‘If ACL: 9+ months. Disclaimer: At present out on the Christmas markets, and was bombarded with notifications so please take this as my educated guess in the intervening time. Will do a full confirmed evaluation inside a few hours.’
Liverpool followers face nervous wait over Isak damage
Firstly, it needs to be reiterated that that is only a provisional evaluation from a trusted and educated supply, and it could possibly be a few days earlier than we obtain extra up-to-date suggestions from the Liverpool medical employees.
Nonetheless, the point out of a possible ACL damage is scary for Isak and the Reds, who’re already disadvantaged of a number of different gamers for subsequent week’s fixture in opposition to Wolves for a wide range of causes, starting from accidents to suspension to worldwide commitments.
That the 26-year-old was in a position to stroll off the pitch at the least hints that it mightn’t be a long-term fracture, though we should watch for additional info over the subsequent 24-48 hours.
Arne Slot mentioned after the sport (through liverpoolfc.com) that the shortage of any try from Isak to hold on is ‘often not factor’, albeit with the disclaimer that it’s merely the top coach’s ‘intestine feeling’.
We’re simply praying that it isn’t the worst-case situation at which Physio Scout hinted, and Liverpool followers could possibly be in for a nervous watch for additional particulars on the severity of the Swedish striker’s damage challenge.
