Arne Slot has criticised Micky van de Ven after Alexander Isak suffered a leg fracture during Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham, with the Liverpool manager describing the challenge as reckless and warning of the risk it posed.
Liverpool confirmed on Monday night that Isak sustained a fibula fracture after being caught late by Van de Ven as he scored on Saturday.
The Sweden striker underwent surgery the following day and is expected to be sidelined for several months, compounding a difficult start to his Liverpool career following his mega-move from Newcastle.
Speaking on Tuesday, Slot confirmed the severity of the injury and made clear his view of the incident.
“It’s going to be a long injury for a couple of months,” he said.
“For me it was a reckless challenge. I spoke a lot about the challenge from Xavi Simons which was completely unintentional. I don’t think you’ll ever get an injury from that tackle.
“The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make it 10 times, I think 10 times there is a serious chance a player gets a serious injury.”
Isak was unable to celebrate his goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, immediately signalling for medical treatment before being helped from the pitch.
Liverpool later confirmed that the operation addressed “an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture”.
The injury is another setback for Isak, who has struggled to build any sort of momentum since his £125m move in the summer. He has already missed time earlier in the season with a groin problem and has managed just three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions.
Van de Ven wasn’t even cautioned after the challenge.