Liverpool’s Alexander Isak sidelined after injury from Tottenham’s Micky Van de Ven
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has launched a scathing attack on Tottenham defender Micky Van de Ven, branding his challenge on Alexander Isak as “reckless” after the tackle left the club’s £125 million record signing facing months on the sidelines, reports BritPanorama.
The Swedish striker sustained a fractured fibula and damage to his left ankle during Saturday’s match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Isak was hurt while netting Liverpool’s first goal in their 2-1 victory, with Van de Ven sliding in aggressively to block his shot.
Following the incident, Isak underwent successful surgery on Monday, with Slot remaining hopeful that his star signing will feature again before the current campaign concludes, provided his recovery progresses as expected.
The incident unfolded in the closing stages of the first half as Van de Ven lunged forcefully at Isak. Despite the severity of the challenge, neither the on-field officials nor the VAR team deemed it necessary to review Van de Ven’s tackle. Liverpool expressed their frustration upon reviewing footage of the collision post-match.
Slot made clear his displeasure at how officials managed the situation. Despite securing three points in north London, the victory came at a significant cost, with their marquee summer acquisition now facing an extended period in rehabilitation.
“It was a reckless challenge,” Slot stated. “I’ve said a lot about the tackle of Xavi Simons, which for me was completely unintentional. I don’t think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that. But the tackle of Van de Ven, if you make a tackle like that 10 times, 10 times there is a serious chance the player gets a serious injury.”
Slot confirmed that Isak’s injury will keep him sidelined for several months, describing it as “a big, big disappointment for him and, as a result of that, also for us.” He acknowledged that Isak has faced a particularly testing time since arriving at Anfield, as the striker is eager to showcase his abilities with the club.
It’s been a challenging period for Isak, with Slot noting that the forward hadn’t been able to train properly with the squad for months, resulting in a lack of a suitable pre-season. The manager believes Isak was beginning to approach his best form, citing recent goals against West Ham and Tottenham as evidence of his resurgence.
Looking ahead, Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo could return for Liverpool’s weekend fixture against Wolves. The Reds are currently positioned fifth in the league table, just behind Chelsea, who sit in fourth on goal difference.
As Liverpool navigate the complexities of the Premier League, Slot’s vocal critique of officiating raises questions about the standards of decision-making in high-stakes matches. The landscape of football remains as competitive as ever, and the loss of a talent like Isak only amplifies the stakes for both player and club.
