Liverpool head coach has delivered his verdict on the tackle from Micky van de Ven that injured Alexander Isak
Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool
Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arne Slot has described the tackle from Micky van de Ven on Alexander Isak as "reckless" with the Liverpool striker set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Isak underwent surgery after having an MRI scan on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury.
Isak was initially named on the bench for Liverpool's clash with Spurs on Saturday but was brought into the game at half-time and opened the scoring 11 minutes after being on the pitch.
However, Van de Ven's tackle to try and stop Isak from scoring led to the Liverpool striker needing assistance to leave the pitch as he was substituted with an injury.
It has since been confirmed that Isak suffered an ankle injury with a fibula fracture and has undergone surgery in the last few days.
Slot was asked about the injury to Isak during his latest press conference, with the Liverpool head coach giving his verdict on the tackle from Van de Ven.
"It was for me a reckless challenge. Xavi Simons [tackle on Virgil van Dijk] was completely unintentional," Slot said. "I don't think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that.
"The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make that tackle 10 times then 10 times there's a serious chance a player could get a serious injury."
Liverpool will now be without Isak for a lengthy spell while the striker recovers from the injury, leaving the Reds without several forward options.
The reigning Premier League champions are already without Mohamed Salah, who is with the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Cody Gakpo is on the sidelines with an injury.
Slot's verdict comes after former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher explained why he thinks Van de Ven's tackle on Isak was not deserving of a red card.
"I can't see that he's done anything that a footballer wouldn't," Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch. "I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the field.
"Players mistime challenges all the time. He's slightly late... it's not a red card. Whether it be in the penalty area, in the D, the centre circle or the other half."
Liverpool will prepare to face Wolves at Anfield on Saturday in their next Premier League fixture as they look to continue their run of back-to-back wins in the top flight.
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