Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces lengthy spell out after suffering an injury after a tackle from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven
Mark Wakefield
10:55, 23 Dec 2025
Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool
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Arne Slot has given his verdict on Micky van de Ven's tackle on Alexander Isak(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arne Slot has branded the challenge from Micky van de Ven on Alexander Isak as "reckless" with the Liverpool forward facing an extended period out injured. Isak underwent surgery following an MRI scan on Sunday to assess the severity of the damage.
Isak was originally named amongst the substitutes for Liverpool's clash with Spurs in the Premier League on Saturday but was introduced at the interval and found the net just 11 minutes after entering the contest.
Nevertheless, Van de Ven's challenge in attempting to prevent Isak from scoring meant the Liverpool forward required help to exit the pitch as he was withdrawn through injury.
It has now been revealed that Isak sustained an ankle problem with a fibula fracture and has had an operation in recent days.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool is injured during a challenge from Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur
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Alexander Isak of Liverpool is injured during a challenge from Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Slot was questioned about Isak's injury during his most recent press conference, with the Liverpool boss offering his assessment of Van de Ven's tackle, reports the Mirror.
"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 missing Isak for a lengthy spell whilst the striker recovers from his injury, leaving the Reds without several of their forward options. The current Premier League champions are already missing Mohamed Salah, who is on duty with the Egypt squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Cody Gakpo is out due to an injury.
Slot's comments follow former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher's verdict as to why he believes Van de Ven's tackle on Isak didn't warrant a red card.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool
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Alexander Isak has recently undergone surgery on the injury(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
"I can't see that he's done anything that a footballer wouldn't," said Gallagher on Sky Sports Ref Watch. "I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the field.
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"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 are gearing up to take on Wolves at Anfield on Saturday in their next Premier League match, hoping to extend their streak of consecutive wins in the top flight.
Tottenham did have two players sent off in their defeat to Liverpool, with Xavi Simons shown a red card for a tackle on Virgil van Dijk in the first half. Cristian Romero was also given his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards, the second of which came in the closing minutes of the match.