Liverpool manager Arne Slot has launched a strong condemnation of a challenge by Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, which has resulted in a significant injury for the Reds’ forward Alexander Isak.
The incident occurred during Liverpool’s recent away victory. Isak, who had just scored, was forced off after the tackle and has since undergone surgery for a fractured fibula. The club confirms the player is expected to be sidelined for several months.
Slot expressed clear frustration, not only with the severity of the challenge but also with the match officials’ decision not to penalize it during the game. He drew a sharp distinction between this incident and other contentious moments in the match.
“It was a dangerous tackle,” stated Slot. “When you go in like that, the risk of causing a major injury is extremely high. It’s the type of action that has no place on the pitch.”
This injury represents a cruel setback for Isak, who joined Liverpool for a club-record fee. His integration at Anfield has been hampered by fitness issues, and he was only beginning to show glimpses of his best form. Slot acknowledged the player’s difficult adaptation period, noting the lack of a proper pre-season had delayed his progress.
“The timing is terrible for him and for us,” Slot added. “We were all seeing him get stronger and closer to his true level. To have this happen now, just as he was making that breakthrough, is incredibly unfortunate. We will support him through his recovery and look forward to his return later in the campaign.”
In further team news, defender Conor Bradley is considered a doubt for the upcoming weekend’s fixture, while forward Cody Gakpo could make a return from his own muscle injury. Several other first-team players remain unavailable for selection.