Liverpool’s Alexander Isak faces two months out with a fractured leg after a tackle by Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, which manager Arne Slot called “reckless”.
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is expected to be sidelined for two months after fracturing his leg against Tottenham.
Manager Arne Slot accused Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven of making a “reckless challenge” that caused the injury during Saturday’s 2-1 win.
The Sweden forward was hurt in the act of scoring the opening goal and subsequently underwent surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture.
“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot told reporters. “So, yeah, that’s a big, big, big disappointment for him. And as a result also of course for us.”
Slot contrasted the incident with an earlier red card for Spurs’ Xavi Simons, which he deemed unintentional. “The tackle of Van de Ven, if you make that tackle 10 times, I think 10 times there’s a serious chance that a player gets a serious injury,” he said.
The setback compounds a difficult start to Isak’s Liverpool career following his British record £125 million move from Newcastle in September.
A dispute with his former club meant he missed a proper pre-season and arrived unfit, with his season later interrupted by a groin problem.
The 26-year-old has managed just three goals in 16 appearances since his protracted transfer to Anfield.
His absence is a major blow for Slot, with Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations and Cody Gakpo not due back from a muscle injury until early January.
It leaves Hugo Ekitike and the little-used Federico Chiesa as Liverpool’s only senior forwards.
The injury raises the prospect of Liverpool bolstering their attack in the January transfer window, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo linked with a move.
It may also alter the situation around Salah, who was recently left out of a Champions League squad after criticising the club and his relationship with Slot.
Liverpool, now fifth after extending their unbeaten league run to five games, host bottom side Wolves on Saturday.
