Liverpool given chance to bring back cult hero for free after Alexander Isak injury

Alexander Isak is set to be sidelined for at least two months after suffering a serious leg injury, but a former Liverpool striker is now available on a free transfer

Alexander Isak's injury could force Liverpool to enter the transfer market(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool could turn to a former cult hero during the January transfer window, with concerns over forward options following Alexander Isak's significant injury.

Isak hobbled off moments after scoring in a 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday, and is set to miss at least two months through injury. The Swedish international underwent an operation on what Liverpool described as "an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture."

Liverpool has been linked with three forward options ahead of the January transfer window, but following a net spend of roughly $300 million in the summer, it's unknown what funds will be available. However, former star Divock Origi has terminated his contract with AC Milan and will be a free agent in January.

Origi signed a four-year contract with Milan in 2022, after ending a seven-season stint at Liverpool. However, he only made 36 appearances for the Italian club, scoring two goals.

The Belgian also had a loan spell back in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, but is now looking for his next club after an underwhelming period. While a return to Liverpool is unlikely, he is fondly remembered on Merseyside.

Origi rose to fame following a stunning World Cup campaign with Belgium in 2014, and he proceeded to score eight goals in 33 Ligue 1 games for Lille during the 2014-15 season. Liverpool then signed Origi, and he scored 12 goals in his first 50 appearances in the Premier League.

Divock Origi will forever be loved by Liverpool fans for his decisive goals(Image: VI Images via Getty Images)

While Origi never reached his full potential at Liverpool, he will forever be remembered for his influence between 2018 and 2020. Origi scored a brace in a stunning comeback win over Barcelona in the semifinal of the Champions League, and scored a late goal in a 2-0 win over Tottenham in the final.

Origi then scored four crucial Premier League goals the following campaign, including a last-minute winner over Everton at Anfield. His contribution helped Liverpool end its 30-year wait for a domestic league title.

Liverpool spent $260 million on strikers this summer, as Isak broke the Premier League transfer record after the club had already signed Hugo Ekitike. However, Isak is set to miss several months after a physical challenge by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.

Micky van de Ven's tackle on Alexander Isak left the Liverpool striker with a broken leg(Image: Getty Images)

Van de Ven made a desperate attempt to block Isak's close-range shot on Saturday, but the Sweden international still managed to find the back of the net. However, his leg buckled following the late challenge.

"It's going to be a long injury, for a couple of months," said Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. "It's a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us."

Slot was furious after the game, as Virgil van Dijk also escaped an injury following a dangerous challenge by Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons. "I've said a lot about the tackle of Xavi Simons, which for me was completely unintentional," he added.

"I don't think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that. The tackle of Van de Ven - if you make that tackle 10 times - I think 10 times there is a serious chance that a player gets a serious injury."