Liverpool striker Alexander Isak underwent a successful surgical procedure on Monday to repair a fractured left leg, an injury that could sideline the forward for several months.
The Sweden international sustained the damage during Saturday's 2-1 victory against Tottenham, forcing him off the pitch after netting his second Premier League goal for the club.
Medical staff performed the operation to realign the bone, with the 26-year-old now facing an extended spell on the treatment table.
The timing represents a significant blow for Liverpool, who paid a British record £125million to secure Isak's services from Newcastle on transfer deadline day in September.
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An MRI scan conducted on Sunday revealed the full extent of the damage, with Liverpool having prepared themselves for unwelcome news regarding their record signing.
Doctors quickly established that Isak had not torn his anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that would have brought his season to a premature end.
However, the scans confirmed a fracture to the lower leg, necessitating Monday's surgical intervention.
Alexander Isak was supported by staff after being forced out of Liverpool's win over Tottenham
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The club has opted against setting any firm deadline for the Swede's return, though recovery from such injuries typically requires a minimum of 12 weeks.
Based on that standard rehabilitation period, Isak would be targeting the March international break as his earliest possible comeback date.
Isak's injury marks the most serious setback in what has been a challenging start to his Liverpool career since arriving from Newcastle.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSThe striker joined Anfield lacking match sharpness and found it difficult to make his mark during his opening six weeks on Merseyside.
A groin problem picked up against Eintracht Frankfurt further disrupted his progress before this latest blow.
His record stands at three goals from 16 appearances across all competitions, with Saturday's strike against Spurs only his second in the Premier League.
The fracture occurred following a robust challenge from Tottenham defender Mickey Van de Ven, moments after Isak had found the net.
Liverpool now face a significant shortage of attacking options, with Mohamed Salah currently away representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The injury crisis leaves Hugo Ekitike as the sole fit central striker available to head coach Arne Slot.
Alexander Isak scored just his third goal for Liverpool in their match with Tottenham
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Speaking after Saturday's match, Slot expressed his concerns about the severity of the situation.
"We'll have to wait and see," he said.
"But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn't try to come back on the pitch, that's usually not a good thing."
The club has emphasised they will not rush Isak's rehabilitation, prioritising his long-term fitness over any immediate return to action.