Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said Alexander Isak faces “a couple of months” out injured after a “reckless” challenge by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Isak sustained a fracture to his left leg following a sliding tackle from Van de Ven as he scored for the Reds in a 2-1 win at Spurs.
The Sweden international had an operation on what Liverpool described as “an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture”.
“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” said Slot. “It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us.”
Van de Ven escaped any punishment for his challenge, while team-mate Xavi Simons had earlier been sent-off when he caught Reds centre-back Virgil van Dijk on his calf with a late tackle.
On Van de Ven’s challenge, Slot added: “This was for me a reckless challenge.
“I’ve said a lot about the the tackle of Xavi Simons, which for me was completely unintentional. I don’t think you will ever get an injury out of a tackle like that.
“The tackle of Van de Ven – if you make that tackle 10 times – I think 10 times there is a serious chance that a player gets a serious injury.”
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank said he “obviously disagrees” with Slot and that Van de Ven is a “very fair and competitive player”.
Frank said: “We are talking about a defender that will do everything to avoid [conceding] the goal.
“Unfortunately, Isak has planted his foot straight there which makes it look worse than it is.
“That would be a natural reaction for any defender. Or, put it this way, if my defender doesn’t do that, I don’t think they are true defenders.
“I also know the two players have sorted it out, so that’s a good sign.”
