Liverpool manager Slot criticizes Van de Ven’s leg-breaking challenge on Alexander Isak as ‘reckless’
Arne Slot remains hopeful that Alexander Isak can make a return before the season concludes after having surgery on a fractured leg due to a tackle from Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, which Slot labeled “reckless.”
Isak, who transferred to Liverpool from Newcastle for a club-record fee of £125m in September, incurred the injury while scoring the opening goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, with Van de Ven sliding in after Isak had placed the ball past Guglielmo Vicario.
He underwent surgery yesterday and will be sidelined for several months, worsening the injury situation for the Reds.
“In my view, it was a reckless challenge,” remarked Slot, addressing the media ahead of Saturday’s match against Wolves. “If you attempt a tackle like that ten times, there’s a strong chance that a player sustains a serious injury each time. This will be a prolonged recovery. A few months. This is a significant disappointment for both him and us.
“I have faith that he can (contribute towards the end of the season). It’s been an incredibly challenging time for him. Joining a new club, he was filled with excitement and eager to showcase his talents, but that has simply not been feasible. If you haven’t been training at a serious level for two or three months, you need to be at your peak in this league to make an impact in a football match.
“We were aware it would take months. We understood he might need time, so it’s extremely unfortunate that he’s now injured, especially as we witnessed with his goals against West Ham and Tottenham that he was nearing the form he had at Newcastle.”
Arne Slot anticipates Alexander Isak to feature again this season after the striker had surgery on Monday — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 23, 2025
Slot endorses Ekitike to step up
With Isak out injured and Mohamed Salah participating in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, there will be increased expectations on Hugo Ekitike to score during the Christmas period.
The Frenchman currently leads the club in goals this season, and Slot has been pleased with his performances following a summer transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt.
He stated: “He still has to grow stronger but he’s already shown improvement in that area.
He’s capable of scoring, possesses outstanding footwork and dribbling abilities, and has a wealth of skills. Now adapted to the Premier League, the key aspect is how he can enhance his physical prowess; that’s what he is diligently working on.
“In the last two, three, four minutes, he appeared quite fatigued against Tottenham. I observe this frequently. However, these players hardly get any respite; I must commend them. They fight from the first second to the last.”
Liverpool have two manageable matches during Christmas
Liverpool has encountered a challenging stretch as they aim to retain their Premier League title, but they can be optimistic about concluding 2025 positively with home fixtures against Wolves and Leeds in the upcoming eight days.
“My sole focus is on the next two matches, both of which will be tough, but we’re at home, which is advantageous,” Slot mentioned. “It’s time for the players who are available to get to work, and for our fans to assist us in achieving the best possible outcomes.
“The players that can play need to give it their all, and the fans, as they typically do. That’s where my attention lies.”
Published: 2025-12-23 09:55:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
