Micky van de Ven reveals Alexander Isak texts after injuring Liverpool striker

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Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been left facing months on the sidelines following the tackle from Micky van de Ven last weekend, with the Dutchman apologizing

Alexander Isak picked up a serious injury from Micky van de Ven's challenge(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Micky van de Ven says he has messaged Alexander Isak to apologize following the tackle that resulted in the Liverpool striker suffering a broken leg last weekend.

Isak underwent surgery on Monday to mend an ankle injury, which included a fractured left fibula, after being on the receiving end of a late, heavy challenge from Tottenham defender Van de Ven while scoring the opening goal in Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League victory in London on Saturday.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot's assertion that the tackle was "reckless" was dismissed by Tottenham counterpart Thomas Frank on Tuesday, but leaves Isak facing months on the sidelines.

Van de Ven has now detailed the conversation he had with Isak after the severity of the injury became apparent, insisting he had no intention of causing harm to the Swedish international.

"Yeah, I've texted him, of course," Van de Ven told Sky Sports. "I sent him a text because I didn't want to injure him.

"I didn't want to do something to hurt him, of course. I just wanted to try to block the shot. And I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs.

Alexander Isak fractured his leg in the win over Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)

"So yeah, I sent him a text afterwards, and I wanted to wish him all the best for his recovery. That's what I said to him. He really appreciated the message. He texted back."

Following this latest setback in a challenging season, Isak is now expected to spend several months out of action after his British record $169 million (£125 million) transfer from Newcastle United at the beginning of September.

Spurs manager Frank stated yesterday: "I am obviously disagreeing (with Slot) in many ways," he said. "We are talking about a defender that will do everything he can to avoid the goal.

"It is a transition, there is a ball down the side and he is doing everything he can to block the shot so he is sliding. Unfortunately Isak plants his foot so it makes it look worse than it is, but that is a natural action for a defender.

"Put it this way, if my defender does not do that, they are not true defenders.

"Reckless challenge? I don't think you see anything like that from Micky. He is very fair and I know the two players have sorted it out, so that's a good sign."

Liverpool.com says: While Van de Ven didn't intend to hurt Isak, it was a red card challenge. Just because the shot was taken at that point, doesn't mean he didn't endanger his opponent. Clearly, Isak's leg was put in harm's way.