Alexander Isak will miss extended time after a cruel setback vs. Spurs

Football correspondent David Ornstein reported Sunday that Alexander Isak was suspected to have broken his leg during the win at Spurs, an injury which could keep him out for months.

LFC released a statement on Monday confirming "an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture," requiring surgery. The operation was successful and the rehab will start now, "with no timeframe yet placed on his return."

A big goal that was barely celebrated

The manner in which the Swede sustained the injury was heartbreaking. Isak's challenging start to his Liverpool career has been clear to see, especially given the great form of strike partner Hugo Ekitike. Prior to Saturday's matchup in North London, the Reds' number nine had found the net just twice for his new club.

That changed with Christian Romero's needless 56th-minute giveaway. After pouncing on the loose ball and combining with Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, Isak found himself 1v1 with Vicario and lifted his finish clinically to open the scoring.

A fraction of a second after the ball left Isak's foot, Micky van de Ven brought him down with both legs. While he had every right to attempt to block the shot, the Dutchman's challenge was reckless — deserving of at least a yellow, which the ref never brandished. It's not difficult to spot the moment Isak's foot twists under van de Ven's knee.

There were shades of Jordan Pickford's scissor tackle that tore Virgil van Dijk's ACL in the fall of 2020, which also went unpunished. No penalty, no card.

In reality, these sorts of challenges are just as likely — if not more likely — to badly hurt someone as the studs-up tackles referees constantly analyze in super slow motion. Van de Ven's was a bad one that seemed to be ignored because Tottenham were picking the ball out of the net.

It's a devastating blow for not just Isak, who clearly could've used the confidence boost, but the team as a whole. The Wirtz-to-Isak connection that Liverpool fans theorized could be so deadly finally came to life before our eyes — Isak's movement was excellent and the weight of Wirtz's pass was perfect. It'll be a while before we see it again. The possibility of a two-pronged attack including Isak and Ekitike will have to be put on hold, too.

How will Liverpool's front line look in Isak's absence?

It's bad enough the world-class striker we signed for a record fee is going to be unavailable for a long time. Other notable absentees in attack make the situation even more desperate.

Salah will be gone for at least the Wolves and Leeds games due to AFCON. Cody Gakpo is nursing a muscle injury and a return date hasn't been specified. Even Dom Szoboszlai, who can deputize at right wing when needed, will miss our next Premier League action due to suspension.

That leaves Slot with just three first-team forwards: Ekitike, Federico Chiesa, and Rio Ngumoha.

Chiesa and Ngumoha have proven they can impact games off the bench, particularly Chiesa. And while Slot is likely to use the pair of them through the new year more than he might otherwise, it's not a sustainable long-term solution. Chiesa's fitness is too erratic and Ngumoha simply needs more experience.

To get through at least Wolves and Leeds, I think Slot will probably select lineups with four midfielders. Wirtz will have to feature prominently. If Frimpong isn't needed at right back — Conor Bradley was forced off at Tottenham, too — we could see him do a job at right wing.

Once we cross that bridge, January signings are a must.