Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is expected to be sidelined for up to two months after suffering a serious injury during the Reds’ 2-1 win over Tottenham, manager Arne Slot has confirmed. The Sweden international was injured while scoring, following a sliding challenge from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven.
Medical assessments revealed a fracture to Isak’s left leg, with Liverpool later confirming that he underwent surgery for an ankle injury involving a fibula fracture. Slot admitted the setback was a major blow both for the player and the team.
Slot calls challenge ‘reckless’
Speaking after the match, Slot described Van de Ven’s tackle as dangerous, arguing that it carried a high risk of injury. While acknowledging that some tackles can be accidental, he felt this one crossed a line.
Slot contrasted the incident with an earlier red card in the match, where Xavi Simons was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk. According to Slot, Simons’ tackle was unintentional and unlikely to cause injury, whereas Van de Ven’s challenge repeatedly carried the risk of serious harm.
Despite Isak’s injury, Van de Ven escaped punishment, a decision that has sparked debate.
Carragher defends defender
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described Isak’s injury as a “huge blow” for the Reds but defended Van de Ven’s actions. Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher said it was a challenge he would likely have made himself in the same situation.
Carragher argued that Van de Ven was attempting to block the shot rather than target the player, and that the injury resulted from unfortunate timing rather than intent. He added that it was one of the first moments where Isak truly showcased his quality in a Liverpool shirt.
Attacking options stretched for Slot
Isak’s absence further complicates matters for Slot ahead of Liverpool’s upcoming fixture against Wolves. The Reds are already without Mohamed Salah, who is on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
There is some positive news, however. Cody Gakpo could return from a muscle injury in time for the weekend, while Jeremie Frimpong has recovered from a hamstring issue and is now fit enough to start after featuring as a substitute against Spurs.
Slot also ruled out recalling Harvey Elliott from his loan spell at Aston Villa, stressing that the midfielder is expected to remain there for the season.
Another setback in a difficult year
The injury marks yet another frustrating chapter in Isak’s Liverpool career following his £125 million move from Newcastle United, a British transfer record. The 26-year-old has struggled with both form and fitness, scoring three goals in 16 appearances so far.
Slot acknowledged that Isak’s season has been far from smooth. A disrupted pre-season, limited training, and a late transfer all contributed to his slow start at Anfield. Isak even trained alone at former club Real Sociedad before completing his move on deadline day.
Despite the latest setback, Slot remains confident that Isak can still make a meaningful contribution before the season ends.
Why the tackle may not be a red card
Football analysts have pointed out that serious injuries do not automatically mean serious foul play. In Isak’s case, the injury occurred as he planted his shooting foot, which landed between Van de Ven’s legs during the defender’s attempt to block the shot.
Experts note that Van de Ven did not scissor or sweep away Isak’s standing foot, a factor that often determines red-card decisions. Comparisons have been drawn to Luke Shaw’s double leg fracture in 2015, where a far more dangerous blocking tackle went unpunished due to the absence of VAR at the time.
In contrast, Van de Ven’s challenge is viewed as a genuine defensive action, with the injury resulting from an unfortunate collision rather than excessive force.
(According to BBC Sports)
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