Arne Slot backs Liverpool star Alexander Isak to make a swift recovery

Isak, a Sweden international, underwent an operation on Monday after sustaining a serious injury that included a fractured fibula.

The damage was caused by a challenge from Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven during Liverpool's 2-1 away Premier League victory on Saturday.

Despite the heavy contact, Isak still managed to score the opening goal, doing so just 11 minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute.

The 26-year-old is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months and is unlikely to feature again before March. As a result, he could miss a crucial stretch of the domestic campaign, as well as a potential Champions League round-of-16 tie.

The setback is the latest in what has been a frustrating season for Isak since joining Liverpool from Newcastle United in September for 125 million pounds, a British transfer record.

He missed pre-season due to his involvement with Newcastle and then suffered a groin injury less than two months into his Anfield career.

His goal against Spurs was only his second in the Premier League for Liverpool and his third in 16 appearances across all competitions.

Slot, however, has played down concerns about the psychological impact of the injury, insisting he does not expect Isak to face major mental challenges during rehabilitation.

"If the thing you can look forward to is playing at Anfield, in a full stadium, do you then need to get a lot of (extra) energy?" he said.

"If all you have to do is work really hard for a few months to get back, into this team again? I think, for everyone, that is something to look forward to.

"He knew, we knew, everyone knew the start he had was completely expected and completely normal.

"He was already on his way. He was getting fitter and fitter and scoring goals. His goal against West Ham helped him mentally.

"Now it is just a rehab, the same as any player around the world. If you had a good period or a bad period, it doesn't matter.

"You just do your rehab and you are looking forward to being in the team for the last part of the season. Hopefully he will be important for us." 

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