Arne Slot Explodes Over "Reckless" Challenge That Shattered Alexander Isak's Leg
Liverpool boss Arne Slot criticized the "dangerous" challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven that resulted in Alexander Isak's leg fracture—although the Dutch manager remains optimistic his £125m acquisition can recover and contribute before the 2025–26 campaign ends.
The past few days have been devastating for the Premier League's record signing. While netting his second league goal for Liverpool, Isak suffered a fibula break along with ankle damage. He underwent surgery on Monday and now faces what could be the lengthiest injury layoff of his professional career.
However, as Slot emphasized, the situation could have been far worse.
There were widespread concerns that Isak had sustained the feared ACL injury, a knee problem that typically keeps players out for at least nine months. As Manchester City's Rodri has demonstrated, full recovery can take even longer.
The Dutch tactician confirmed that Isak would be sidelined with "an extended injury for several months" but was already anticipating his striker's return to action. "Absolutely, I have confidence," Slot stated when questioned whether Isak would be available before the season ends in May.
"This has been an incredibly tough and demanding time for him," he continued. "When joining a new team, he was enthusiastic but eager to demonstrate his abilities. That simply wasn't feasible. Without proper training for three or four months at a competitive level with the squad while playing in this division, you must be at peak performance to influence matches.
"That process, as we all understood, required months because there was no pre-season preparation. It was just match after match after match.
"Training opportunities were minimal. We all recognized it would take time for him to adapt. That's what makes this injury so unfortunate. Everyone witnessed with his strike against West Ham and his goal versus Tottenham that he was progressively returning to the form he showed last season at Newcastle."
Slot Condemns Van de Ven for Isak Tackle
While Slot lamented the unfortunate timing of Isak's setback, he had clear thoughts about responsibility.
"In my view, it was a dangerous challenge," Slot expressed regarding Micky van de Ven's tackle on Isak. Although Xavi Simons received a red card for Tottenham in the first half of Saturday's encounter after planting his studs into Virgil van Dijk's leg, the Dutch defender faced no consequences for his contact with Isak.
"I discussed extensively the challenge from Xavi Simons which was entirely accidental. I don't believe that tackle would ever cause an injury," Slot elaborated. "Van de Ven's challenge, if executed 10 times, would likely result in serious injury on each occasion."
Liverpool's Injury List Expanding
Losing Isak represents another significant setback for Slot, who is managing injuries, suspensions, and international commitments affecting crucial squad members.
Slot revealed during his media briefing that fullback Conor Bradley and striker Cody Gakpo are "uncertain" for the December 27 fixture against winless Wolves, while Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo are definitely ruled out.
Liverpool will also miss the impressive and highly adaptable Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian playmaker accumulated his fifth booking of the campaign against Tottenham, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
Mohamed Salah is representing Egypt at AFCON—he netted a crucial late winner in his nation's tournament opener on Monday—and his unavailability, combined with Isak and Szoboszlai's absences, increases pressure on Hugo Ekitiké—though the French forward's encouraging performances suggest he can handle the added responsibility.