Carragher backs Van de Ven tackle as Isak injury casts shadow over Liverpool win

Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham was overshadowed by a serious injury to Alexander Isak, with Jamie Carragher describing the striker’s absence as a huge blow despite defending Micky van de Ven’s challenge that led to the setback.

Isak was hurt while scoring Liverpool’s opening goal on Saturday, with Van de Ven wrapping his legs around the Swede’s left leg as he attempted to block the shot. The forward was clearly in distress, receiving treatment before limping off, and concerns deepened on Monday when reports suggested a significant injury had been suffered.

Arne Slot is expected to clarify the extent of the damage at his press conference on Tuesday, although early indications point to a possible broken leg, a development that would rule Isak out for an extended period.

Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, insisted the defender’s actions were understandable in the context of the moment. He argued that Liverpool were already light in attacking options and that the incident was more about misfortune than recklessness.

The former Reds defender acknowledged that several Tottenham challenges drew attention during the match but maintained that Van de Ven’s decision was a natural one for a centre back. In his view, the defender had little choice but to commit, and the injury was an unfortunate consequence rather than a foul born of intent.

The context makes the incident particularly painful for Liverpool. Isak’s goal offered a glimpse of his quality in a red shirt, and with the season entering a demanding phase, losing a central striker compounds the workload on the remaining attackers.

Anfield had been tense from the opening exchanges, with Tottenham pressing aggressively and Liverpool looking to move the ball quickly into advanced areas. Isak’s movement troubled the visiting back line early on, while wide players stretched the pitch to create space through the middle.

The key moment arrived when Isak finished clinically to give Liverpool the lead, only for celebrations to be muted as he went down immediately after the strike. Medical staff were quickly on the scene, and the mood inside the stadium shifted as the forward struggled to put weight on his leg.

In the second half, Liverpool managed the game with greater caution, aware of the loss they had just suffered. Tottenham enjoyed spells of possession, while the hosts relied on structure and discipline rather than attacking fluency to see out the contest.

Carragher does not expect the injury to force Liverpool into reactive business in the January window. He pointed to the depth in wide areas, suggesting Mohamed Salah is set to remain at the club and noting the potential return of Harvey Elliott from Aston Villa.

With Antoine Semenyo also linked due to a reported January buy-out clause, Carragher believes Liverpool will stay selective. The message from Anfield is clear: the club will not rush into signing a striker they do not fully want, even as Isak’s injury leaves a significant gap to fill in the weeks ahead.