'Liverpool won't struggle without Alexander Isak - but I want one player to step up now'

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Liverpool will have to do without the services of Alexander Isak for some time now after he broke his leg against Tottenham, with one player being told he needs to step up in his absence

Alexander Isak is set for a long lay-off after breaking his leg in Liverpool's win over Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)

Chris Sutton has told Florian Wirtz he needs to step up for Liverpool while Alexander Isak is out injured.

The Reds are set to be without Isak for the foreseeable future after he broke his leg during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham at the weekend. The striker was clattered into by Micky van de Ven as he scored the opener, and is now set for long lay-off.

The club confirmed on Monday that he had undergone surgery after suffering a fractured fibula and ankle injury, although Arne Slot has raised hopes that Isak will be able to return before the end of the season.

Nevertheless, his absence comes as a big blow at a time when Liverpool’s options in attack are running low. Mohamed Salah is currently away on Africa Cup of Nations duty, and could be missing until late January if Egypt makes it to the final, while Cody Gakpo has missed the last few games and is a doubt again for the meeting with Wolves on Saturday.

BBC Sport pundit Sutton though doesn’t feel Liverpool will struggle without Isak, with Hugo Ekitike having impressed since joining the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, with 11 goals to his name across all competitions.

The former Chelsea star though has urged Wirtz to step up. The German international grabbed just his first Premier League assist in setting up Isak on Saturday, but is still without a goal to his name.

Florian Wirtz recorded his first league assist for Liverpool against Tottenham(Image: Getty)

“Poor old Alexander Isak,” Sutton said while making his predictions for BBC Sport. “His form has been awful all season following his move from Newcastle, and now he is out for a couple of months.

“I don't think Liverpool are going to struggle with Hugo Ekitike leading the line, however. Yes, they are also missing Mohamed Salah while he is with Egypt at Afcon, but Ekitike is having a phenomenal season.

“Dominik Szoboszlai is out for Liverpool too, after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Spurs.

“Maybe it is time for Florian Wirtz to really come to the fore for Arne Slot's side.”

Wirtz has been showing signs of growing into his new surroundings recently following what was a tough introduction to life at Liverpool.

Reflecting on his first goal contribution in the Premier League, having been cruelly denied a goal against Sunderland earlier this month, Wirtz said: "I think I had a few good situations. I got into some good positions to create something dangerous for goals.

"It's getting better every week, I can feel this on the pitch and it makes me happy that I can enjoy the football."