Liverpool get instant Alexander Isak transfer instruction after return timeframe confirmed

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Arne Slot faces a significant transfer headache after Alexander Isak looks to be ruled out for several months, following surgery on a fractured leg. Liverpool's £125m striker was forced off against Tottenham after a heavy challenge from Micky van de Ven.

The extent of the injury has now been revealed, with Isak set to miss a substantial chunk of the season. Following an MRI scan on Sunday, the 26 year old underwent successful surgery, leaving Slot with the challenge of finding a replacement.

If there's a bright spot in Isak's predicament, it's that the setback has come just as the January transfer window is opening. That gives the Liverpool boss time to weigh up his options.

Fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike is expected to spearhead their attack in these coming months, but Slot will likely want additional reinforcements during this period. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has already suggested two potential solutions.

"I think it's pretty certain now Salah will stay at Liverpool when he comes back from AFCON," the former Reds defender said on Monday Night Football . "People wanted that to happen anyway and we spoke about that last week.

"I think Harvey Elliott's situation at Aston Villa ... he will probably come back to the club because he's finding it difficult at Aston Villa. There's been big talk for a long time that Liverpool are interested in [Antoine] Semenyo.

"The fact he's a wide player who can play both sides - and your two wide players are predominantly Gakpo and Salah. Both can play centre-forward and I think Liverpool will probably go more that way [in the transfer market] rather than going for a centre-forward or buying someone they don't really fancy.

"They seem to really like Semenyo, as a lot of other teams do, as well. I go back to what Liverpool did a few years ago when they had a few centre-backs out, they brought in a lad from Preston and a lad from overseas. They were never going to be Liverpool players for the future, it was to get them until the end of the season.

"Liverpool may find a striker to do that, but I don't think they'll be looking to spend big money on someone they don't particularly fancy right now."

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The AFC Bournemouth attacker is, arguably, among the most coveted players in the Premier League as the January window approaches. Liverpool were rumoured to be tracking Semenyo during the summer, and those reports have persisted.

The Cherries star has a £65m release clause which will be triggered for the opening 10 days of the January transfer window. With Manchester United , Manchester City and Tottenham also, reportedly, an showing interest, Liverpool would need to act swiftly.

What might give Slot's side an advantage is Semenyo's 'preferred' destination. According to The Guardian , the forward regards Liverpool as his dream next club.

Reports also suggest that Harvey Elliott might be making a return to Anfield after a challenging loan stint at Aston Villa . The 22 year old has only made five appearances since joining Unai Emery's squad on a season-long deal.

Elliott's move will become permanent if he plays in 10 matches for Villa, but it seems Emery is hesitant to activate that clause, given that Elliott hasn't featured for them since early October. As such, discussions are reportedly underway between the two clubs about ending the loan early.

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