Liverpool’s Isak Undergoes Surgery After Injury, Reactions from Coaches

With the score tied at 0-0, Liverpool regained possession high up the pitch, culminating in Florian Wirtz providing an assist to Alexander Isak for a shot on goal. Unfortunately, in a desperate attempt to disrupt the play, Van de Ven caught Isak’s leg at an awkward angle, causing the striker to fall in evident pain and immediately signal for medical attention. Isak was substituted shortly thereafter, walking off the field unaided, without the need for a stretcher.

On Monday, it was announced that Isak had undergone surgery for an ankle injury, which included a fibula fracture. Optimism surrounds his recovery, with hopes that he will be able to return to play before the end of the season.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Slot criticized Van de Ven’s challenge, asserting that it was more perilous than the tackle by Xavi Simons on Virgil van Dijk, which resulted in a red card following a VAR review. “It was a reckless challenge. I previously commented on Xavi Simons’ tackle, which I believe was entirely unintentional. You don’t typically inflict an injury from a tackle like that,” Slot expressed to reporters. “However, with Van de Ven’s tackle, if you replicate that ten times, there’s a serious risk of inflicting a major injury on the player.”

In response, Frank, during his own press conference that took place hours later, defended Van de Ven, asserting that such challenges are essential for defenders striving to prevent goals. “I must disagree with that perspective,” Frank stated regarding Slot’s remarks. “In many ways, Micky van de Ven is a defender who will do everything in his power to thwart a goal attempt; it’s a transition play. He sprinted back, and as the ball moved to the side, he made an attempt to block the shot by sliding in. Regrettably, Isak’s foot was planted at that moment, which amplified the severity of the incident. That reaction is typical for any defender.”

Frank added, “If my defender refrains from making such a challenge, I would question their commitment to the role. He is a fair and competitive player. Additionally, it’s reassuring that both players have resolved the matter amicably; that’s a positive sign.”

When asked whether Slot’s comments might negatively impact Van de Ven’s reputation among referees, making him appear overly aggressive, Frank expressed hope that this would not be the case. “I hope that’s not the outcome. I don’t fully grasp the comment’s intent, but I think that, upon review, the challenge was not excessive, and it was a first-time occurrence, so it should not pose a problem.”

Initially, there were concerns that Isak had suffered a torn ACL; however, these fears were alleviated prior to his MRI scan, which ultimately revealed the fracture in his leg. Slot mentioned that Isak’s recovery would take at least two months, a significant disappointment for both the player and the team. “This will be a lengthy injury—several months. It’s a substantial disappointment for him and for us,” Slot commented.

In Isak’s absence, Liverpool will likely lean more heavily on fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike, who netted their second goal against Spurs and currently stands third in the Premier League Golden Boot rankings with eight goals. The Reds are also exploring the possibility of signing Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.