Liverpool manager Arne Slot has launched a fierce criticism of a 'reckless' challenge from Tottenham's Micky van de Ven that has left the Reds' club-record signing, Alexander Isak, facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
A Costly Goal in Spurs Victory
The serious injury occurred during Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Isak, the Swedish international, had just opened the scoring for Liverpool when he was hurt. The striker damaged his left ankle and suffered a fractured fibula after Van de Ven slid in forcefully to block a shot.
Neither the on-field match officials nor the VAR team deemed it necessary to review the Dutch defender's action, a decision which reportedly angered Liverpool staff once they had seen replays of the incident.
Slot's Fury and Recovery Timeline
Isak underwent successful surgery on Monday. While Slot is hopeful the £125 million forward could return before the season ends, provided his rehabilitation goes to plan, the manager did not hide his frustration.
'It was a reckless challenge,' stated Slot. 'I've spoken a lot about the challenge from Xavi Simons recently, which for me was totally unintentional. I don't think an injury happens from a challenge like that. But the challenge from [Micky] Van de Ven – if you make a challenge like that 10 times, 10 times there is a big chance the player will get a serious injury.'
He confirmed the severity of the blow: 'It's going to be a long injury, a couple of months. It's a big disappointment for him and, as a consequence, for us as well.'
A Cruel Blow for Isak's Liverpool Journey
Slot acknowledged the personal role he will need to play in supporting Isak through this difficult period, noting the player is 'devastated'. The injury comes at a particularly cruel time, interrupting the striker's adaptation to his new club.
'Usually, when you join a new club – he was very excited as well – you want to show all the qualities you have, but that was simply impossible,' Slot explained. He pointed to Isak's lack of a full pre-season, stating it was always going to take time for the player to reach peak fitness and form.
'That's why he has such bad luck to be injured now,' Slot added, 'because we all saw with his goal against West Ham and with this goal that he was getting closer and closer to the player he was last season at Newcastle.'
In more positive team news, Slot indicated that Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo could be available for Liverpool's upcoming weekend fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
