Liverpool manager Slot blames ‘reckless’ van de Ven for Isak’s injury

Alexander Isak is expected to be out of action for two months after breaking his leg against Tottenham, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot accusing Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven of making a «reckless challenge».

The Swedish striker was injured in a defender’s tackle while scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win and limped off the pitch.

Liverpool said in a statement on Monday that the forward had undergone surgery on an ankle injury, including a fractured fibula.

«It will be a long-term injury of a few months,» Slot told reporters on Tuesday. «So yes, that’s a big, big, big disappointment for him. And as a result, of course, for us too.»

Slot described Van de Ven’s tackle as «reckless».

“I think I’ve said a lot about the tackle on Xavi Simons (sent off for Spurs earlier in the game), which for me was completely unintentional, and I don’t think you’ll ever get an injury from a tackle like that.

“Van de Ven’s tackle. If you make that tackle 10 times, I think there is a serious chance that a player will sustain a serious injury 10 times.”

Isak’s injury is the latest setback for the forward after he signed from Newcastle for a British record £125 million ($168 million) in September.

A dispute with Newcastle meant he did not have a proper pre-season program and arrived at Liverpool far behind his teammates in terms of fitness. His season was then interrupted by a groin injury.

The 26-year-old has scored just three goals in 16 games since completing his long-term move to Anfield.

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Isak’s absence will be a major blow to Reds boss Slot, with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo not set to return from a muscle injury until early in the new year.

It leaves Slot with Hugo Ekitike, who has scored five goals in his past four games, and the little-used Federico Chiesa as his only senior striker.

Liverpool, whose Premier League title defense collapsed after a shock run of results, have climbed to fifth place after extending their unbeaten league run to five games.

Isak’s injury raises the prospect of Liverpool strengthening their attack in the January transfer window, with Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo linked with a move to Anfield.

It could also change the conversation surrounding Salah, who was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia following his recent claim that he had been thrown under the bus by the club and was no longer in a relationship with Slot.

Salah’s tirade, which came after he was benched for three consecutive games, prompted Liverpool to leave him out of the squad for a Champions League match at Inter Milan.

But he returned to action as a substitute against Brighton before leaving for international duty.

Liverpool hosts Wolves on Saturday.

Published on December 23, 2025