Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the win was overshadowed by post-match news that their £125 million forward, Alexander Isak, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Micky van de Ven attempted to block Isak’s opening goal but instead made contact with the striker in a challenge that forced the Swede off the pitch. Subsequent scans are expected to confirm that Isak has suffered a fractured leg, an injury likely to rule him out for around three months.
The match also saw Tottenham reduced to ten men after Xavi Simons was sent off for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk, catching the Liverpool defender on the calf.
Van de Ven’s challenge initially drew little attention, appearing to be a routine defensive action. However, Isak immediately showed signs of discomfort, barely acknowledging his goal before clutching his leg. Replays later revealed that Van de Ven had slid in with a scissor-like motion, making contact with the striker’s lower leg, leading to closer scrutiny following confirmation of the injury.
Speaking to ESPN, former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf criticised the Tottenham centre-back despite praising his overall style of play. Leboeuf said that while he admired Van de Ven as a player, the defender had to be punished, stressing that breaking an opponent’s leg cannot go without consequences. He added that defenders must remain in control when making tackles and suggested that Van de Ven had failed to do so on this occasion.
Referee John Brooks did not take any action against Van de Ven during the game, and the VAR also raised no concerns, allowing the goal to stand. Liverpool players likewise focused their attention on Isak’s condition rather than the challenge itself.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett later gave his assessment to Football Insider, stating that, upon reviewing the incident, he believed the Tottenham defender had made a genuine attempt to play the ball. Hackett explained that both the referee and VAR were satisfied that no offence had occurred in the build-up to the goal. He added that, under those circumstances, the only remaining option available to Liverpool would be to pursue the matter through legal channels.
Whether Liverpool will choose to take that step remains unclear.
