Just hours after Liverpool’s gritty 2-1 win over Wolves, the mood at Anfield turned from celebration to despair when Alexander Isak’s girlfriend, Emilia Mattsson, went live on Instagram from their Merseyside home. Sobbing uncontrollably, the 25-year-old Swedish model revealed the full extent of the injury Isak sustained in a seemingly innocuous challenge during the match: a grade 3 MCL tear in his right knee, confirmed by MRI scans showing complete rupture and associated meniscus damage. “He’s in so much pain right now,” she said through tears, voice breaking. “The doctors say it’s bad – months of recovery, maybe surgery. I don’t know when he’ll be back on the pitch. It’s killing him not to play.” The live stream, viewed by over 1.2 million in minutes, showed Emilia clutching Isak’s shirt as she begged fans for prayers.

The news has rocked Liverpool’s camp. Isak, who joined in a £120 million summer blockbuster from Newcastle and has banged in 18 goals already this season, was stretchered off in the 78th minute clutching his knee. Initial hopes of a minor sprain evaporated with the scan results; club medics now project a 4-6 month absence, potentially ruling him out until April or May. Arne Slot, visibly shaken in his post-match presser, admitted: “This is a massive blow. Alex is our focal point, our leader in attack.” Teammates like Salah and Van Dijk posted immediate support – Mo with a prayer emoji and “Come back stronger, brother” – while the dressing room atmosphere is described as “funeral-like.” With fixtures piling up including a Champions League knockout and the Merseyside derby, Liverpool face relying on Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota to fill the unfillable void.

Fans are in meltdown, with #GetWellIsak trending worldwide and Anfield’s ticket office flooded with worried calls. Emilia’s raw vulnerability – confessing sleepless nights by his bedside as he battles pain and frustration – has humanised the “ice-cold finisher,” reminding everyone behind the goals is a 26-year-old fighting despair. As Isak begins intensive rehab, one question haunts Merseyside: will this cruel twist end his glorious debut season in red, or fuel an even more ferocious comeback? For now, Liverpool march on wounded – praying their Swedish sniper returns before the dreams fade.