Managing Liverpool: Alexander Isak replacement found along with Florian Wirtz solution

Liverpool were dealt a significant blow during their 2-1 win over Tottenham at the weekend as Alexander Isak sustained an injury. The Swedish international, who scored the opening goal against Thomas Frank's side, was seen clutching his leg after a strong challenge from Micky van de Ven.

It now appears that the £125million signing could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, pending the results of an MRI scan. With Mohamed Salah currently representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool's attacking options are significantly depleted. And as the January transfer window looms, Express Sport assesses what Reds boss Arne Slot needs to do to take his side forward in the Champions League and the Premier League.

Sign Antoine Semenyo

Slot could bring in Antoine Semenyo to deal with the absence of Isak. The Bournemouth forward has been consistently linked with the Reds and has had an impressive season so far.

With both Isak and Cody Gakpo sidelined through injury, and Mohamed Salah in international duty, Slot may need to bolster his attacking line-up. Failure to do so could leave Liverpool vulnerable should they suffer further injuries.

Despite Semenyo operating from the left flank while Salah favours the right, the attacker's knack for finding the net and setting up team-mates means he could eventually fill the Egyptian's boots in the long run.

However, Liverpool face stiff competition from Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham for the £65m-man's services.

The Ghanaian has previously expressed his desire to operate through the middle as he told AwayDays: "I'm destined to be a No. 9. Andoni [Iraola], gaffer, play me as a nine - that's all I'm gonna say."

This versatility could see him deputise for Isak when Hugo Ekitike requires a breather or tactical rotation.

Secure Marc Guehi

Liverpool must tie down Marc Guehi's signature without delay.

The Crystal Palace centre-back nearly joined Slot's revolution on transfer deadline day during the summer window, but the move ultimately collapsed at the final hurdle.

With Manchester City and Bayern Munich among those circling for Guehi's signature, the Reds must act swiftly to land the former Swansea City defender.

His consistently impressive performances this campaign suggest a £30m bid might tempt Palace into parting with their prized asset, who is out of contract next summer.

Otherwise, they risk repeating the 2020/2021 scenario, where Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams formed the centre-back partnership due to the absence of several senior defenders.

Play Wirtz in his actual position

Florian Wirtz was recruited as one of Europe's most promising central attacking midfielders, yet Slot seems determined to start him on the left.

It would be fascinating to see what a £116m prodigy can achieve when utilised in his most effective role at No. 10. Granted, Liverpool haven't fielded a proper No. 10 10 since Phillipe Coutinho's tenure at the club, but why not experiment with something new?

Liverpool have transitioned from Fabinho to Ryan Gravenberch as sixes in recent years, and both have performed admirably, allowing the two midfielders ahead of them to thrive and exploit the space in their path.

However, with the arrival of Wirtz, it might be worth trying a slightly different approach to accommodate the German's skills in that No. 10 role.

For instance, Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai could be used in a flat midfield partnership - arguably the two best midfielders currently, ahead of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, although the latter has been exceptional recently.

Then, position Wirtz in his natural role behind a potential attacking trio of Semenyo, Ekitike and Federico Chiesa.