Liverpool are going to have to make do without record signing Alexander Isak for a little while after the striker suffered a broken leg.
It has been rough going for Isak after his mammoth transfer from Newcastle over the summer, and things have just gone from bad to worse for him.
While the news will sting for Liverpool as well as the Swede himself, the reality is that after seeing Micky van de Ven launch himself into Isak‘s left leg on Saturday, many had thought the injury would be even more significant.
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Arne Slot is running out of options…
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Liverpool’s attacking options heading into the Christmas period:
Hugo EkitikeFederico ChiesaFlorian WirtzRio Ngumoha
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There were real concerns that the Liverpool No. 9 had damaged his knee ligaments, which would have meant an even longer spell on the sidelines.
But while Isak looks to have gotten away with that at least, former Liverpool star Takumi Minamino does not look to have been so lucky.
Takumi Minamino suffers possible ACL tear
Minamino will forever remain a cult hero for Liverpool after turning into a goal-scoring machine in the Carabao and FA Cup wins in 2022.
Since leaving for Monaco that summer, the Japanese has shown more of his quality, and has been gearing up to be a key player for his country at this summer’s World Cup.
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READ MORE: David Ornstein drops Antoine Semenyo to Liverpool bomb after Alexander Isak breaks his leg
Sadly, it looks probable that Minamino’s World Cup dream has now been shattered. While playing for Monaco in a French Cup tie at Auxerre on Sunday, the 30-year-old was stretchered off with a suspected knee injury.
Speaking after the game, manager Sebastien Pocognoli said that while he wasn’t certain Minamino had suffered a dreaded ACL tear, he did confirm that the first tests on the injury ‘weren’t very positive.’
“We’ll wait for the test results,” said the Belgian. “Taki is in the hospital and I don’t yet know what’s wrong with him. I don’t know if it could be a torn ACL. We hope it’s not too serious, but the initial tests weren’t very positive.”
Who will be the biggest miss for Liverpool?
The injury list is mounting ahead of next week’s match…
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How has Minamino been doing for Monaco?
Many Liverpool supporters were disappointed to see Minamino leave in 2022, but after barely getting a look-in during meaningful games, he had to for the good of his career.
The Japan international’s case is somewhat similar to that of Federico Chiesa currently, where he would do well when given chances but then be frozen out for the big matches.
Since heading to Monaco, Minamino has been more trusted to be a regular starter.
His goal-scoring record is still not phenomenal – he has 23 goals and 17 assists in 120 appearances – but Minamino has at least found a proper home to showcase his talents.
The former Liverpool star was good enough to be voted into the Ligue 1 Team of the Season in 2023/24, also picking up Monaco’s Player of the Year for the same campaign. This season, Minamino has managed four goals and three assists in 21 appearances. Sadly, it seems probable he will not have the chance to add to those numbers.
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