By Martin Graham
Liverpool Head coach Arne Slot has confirmed it Alexandre Isak will be out for about two months after an injury suffered during the win Tottenham.
The striker was injured during a sliding tackle Micky van de Ven while finding the net in the 2-1 win in north London.
Subsequent medicals revealed damage to his lower leg and the club confirmed he required surgery after suffering a fractured fibula as part of an ankle problem.
Slot admitted the setback was a huge frustration, explaining that the recovery period will keep the Swedish striker out for a significant stretch of the campaign.
Debate on the van de Ven challenge
Slot was open in assessing the incident, describing the action of the Spurs defender as dangerous and avoidable.
He contrasted that moment with an earlier dismissal involving Xavi Simons, who was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk, who Slot felt had no real intention of injuring himself.
According to the Liverpool manager, the likelihood of serious damage was much higher in Van de Ven’s tackle, arguing that repeating such a move would often lead to injury.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank rejected that view, defending his player’s instincts and insisting the situation was only made worse by Isak’s foot being planted at the time of contact.
Mixed reactions and Liverpool options
Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher sympathized with Liverpool over the loss of Isak, but suggested the defender’s action was understandable in the circumstances.
Carragher explained that blocking the try was essential and that the unfortunate result was down to chance rather than bad judgement.
Liverpool now face Wolves with limited attacking resources as Mohamed Salah remains away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Slot offered some positive news, noting that Cody Gakpo could return from a muscle problem, while Jeremie Frimpong is fit enough to start after a recent cameo.
Slot confident Isak still has a role to play
Isak’s latest injury adds to a difficult spell following his £125million arrival from Newcastle United.
The forward has struggled with both fitness and form issues, registering three goals in 16 outings since his move.
Slot reflected on the disruption Isak faced before joining Liverpool, including limited training time and a delayed integration into the squad.
Despite the current setback, the manager remains convinced the forward can still contribute at the end of the season, pointing to the latest goals as signs of continued improvement.
