Arne Slot rages at Tottenham star as Liverpool boss provides update on injured Alexander Isak
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 £125million record signing facing months on the sidelines.
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.
The forward underwent surgery on Monday, which was successful, and Slot remains hopeful his star signing will feature again before the current campaign concludes, provided his recovery progresses as expected.
The incident occurred as the Netherlands international lunged forcefully at Isak during the closing stages of the first half at Spurs.
Despite the severity of the challenge, neither the on-field officials nor the VAR team considered it necessary to examine Van de Ven’s tackle.
Liverpool were left furious once they had the opportunity to review footage of the collision after the match.
Alexander Isak will miss months of action after being forced out of Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday
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The club’s frustration was palpable, with Slot making clear his displeasure at how the situation was handled by those officiating the fixture.
The Reds ultimately secured all three points in north London, but the victory came at a significant cost with their marquee summer acquisition now facing an extended spell in the treatment room.
Speaking about the challenge, Slot drew a clear distinction between different types of tackles, referencing a previous incident involving Xavi Simons.
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“It was a reckless challenge,” the Liverpool head coach 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 the injury would keep Isak sidelined for several months, describing it as “a big, big disappointment for him and, as a result of that, also for us.”
Slot acknowledged that Isak has endured a particularly testing time since arriving at Anfield, with the striker desperate to demonstrate his abilities at his new club.
Alexander Isak has struggled for Liverpool since joining from Newcastle back in the summer
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PA“It’s been a really challenging and difficult period for him,” the manager said, noting that the forward had been unable to train properly with the squad for several months and lacked a proper pre-season.
The Liverpool boss believes Isak was finally approaching his best form, pointing to recent goals against West Ham and Tottenham as evidence he was rediscovering the level he showed at Newcastle last term.
Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo could return for Liverpool’s weekend fixture against Wolves.
The Reds go into the game sitting fifth in the league table, with Chelsea only ahead of them in fourth on goal difference.
