Daily Express

Liverpool's Alexander Isak has spoken out following a disappointing injury during the Reds' victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Swedish international suffered a fractured leg after a tackle from Spurs' Micky van de Ven, resulting in surgery for an "ankle injury that included a fibula fracture."

Despite scoring for Liverpool after coming on as a substitute, the 26-year-old had to be removed shortly after due to the injury. Clearly in pain, Isak now faces a period of recovery away from the pitch. In an Instagram story, he said: "Gutted to be out for a while. Time to recover and support from the sideline. I will work hard to be back as soon as I possibly can. Thank you all reds and everyone else for the kind messages, it does not go unnoticed [red heart emoji] #YNWA."

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Since transferring from Newcastle United to Anfield, Isak has had a challenging time, missing pre-season with a minor thigh injury and pushing for a move away from Eddie Howe's team. With only two goals and one assist in 10 Premier League games this season, plus another goal in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton, Isak has yet to score in the Champions League.

The British record signing has been plagued with fitness issues, and this is yet another significant setback. Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher discussed his misfortune on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

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"It's a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway," Carragher said. "There's a lot been made about a lot of the challenges in the game from Tottenham players and a lot of them weren't clever. I put myself in Van de Ven's position and that's a challenge I'd probably make.

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"He's trying to block it - it's just the follow through. I don't know where else anyone thinks his foot's going to go. He has to make that challenge. You can't let the striker just get a shot away in that situation.

"It's just really bad luck for Isak. It's probably one of the first glimpses we've seen of his real quality in a Liverpool shirt."

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has hit back at Arne Slot and mounted a robust defence of defender Micky van de Ven, after the Liverpool boss suggested that the Dutchman's tackle on Alexander Isak would inevitably cause injury. Isak suffered a broken leg following a challenge from Van de Ven, which left the Sweden striker collapsed on the turf moments after firing the ball into the back of the net in north London.

The forward was instantly substituted and now faces a period on the treatment table following an operation. Speaking at his press conference on Wednesday, Slot criticised Van de Ven's tackle and argued it was more severe than Xavi Simons' red card offence in the same match. However, Frank holds a contrasting opinion on Van de Ven's actions.

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"Obviously I am disagreeing," the Spurs boss replied. "In many ways, we are talking about a defender that will do everything to avoid (conceding) the goal.

"It's a transition so he is sprinting back in. There's a ball slid down in the side and he does everything he can to block that shot."

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"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.

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"I don't see that at all. I think reckless challenges, normally, you haven't seen any from Micky, as I remember it. I see him as a very fair and competitive player. That's one thing. I also know the two players have sorted it out so that's a good sign."

Slot was less sympathetic. "It was for me a reckless challenge," he said.

"Xavi Simons [tackle on Virgil van Dijk] 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 then 10 times there's a serious chance a player could get a serious injury."

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher doesn't believe Van de Ven's challenge on Isak ever warranted a red card. "I can't see that he's done anything that a footballer wouldn't," Gallagher said on Sky Sports Ref Watch.

"I would be astonished if that was given as a red card anywhere on the pitch. Players mistime tackles all the time. He's slightly late... it's not a red card. Whether it be in the penalty box, in the D, the centre circle or the other half."

With numerous Premier League giants vying for Antoine Semenyo's signature, his destination remains uncertain as the January transfer window approaches, and his club allegiances appear equally murky. The Bournemouth sensation has electrified the top flight this campaign, netting eight goals and providing three assists across 16 appearances, sparking widespread interest from top-flight heavyweights.

Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have all been strongly linked with the forward, though the field appears to have narrowed to just three contenders. Semenyo has reportedly rejected advances from Spurs, whilst the Gunners seem unlikely to launch a serious January bid despite the player's desire for a winter departure.

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Chelsea have now entered the fray with an initial enquiry and are exploring potential deal structures.

The Blues could emerge as frontrunners following footage where Semenyo referred to Chelsea as "we" whilst recalling an iconic Didier Drogba strike.

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But this appeared to be a verbal slip-up from Semenyo, who has been photographed at the Emirates Stadium and has openly declared his support for Arsenal.

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In a 2024 interview with The Athletic, he revealed: "I am an Arsenal fan. I don't conflict the two with my job. It is great to play against Arsenal, a team I have watched all my life and I want to play for the top clubs as well. In order for that to happen I need to prove it."

When questioned about whether joining the Gunners would be his dream, Semenyo responded: "Yeah, any team that plays Champions League, Europa (League) - that's the aim. I know that's not going to come with a click of my fingers, it's going to take some time.

"It's going to take goals. It's going to take a lot of consistent performances. But I've worked all my life for that and I'm just going to continue working hard. That's my mentality."

Semenyo appears to have a choice of three Champions League teams, provided they activate the £65million release clause in his contract during the first part of January. Following several standout performances, it seems the Cherries have resigned themselves to his departure, with Andoni Iraola unable to confirm otherwise.

At a press conference, he said: "At the end, in the situation, myself as a coach, I don't control. When you sign a contract, I understand both parties are happy when you sign it.

"But me as a coach, I can only tell you I hope we don't lose him, because he is very important for us. But I don't know what is going to happen."

Liverpool have a ready-made solution to fill the void left by Alexander Isak following confirmation of his injury. The Swedish striker fell victim to a hefty challenge from Micky van de Ven whilst netting Liverpool's opener against Tottenham on Saturday, forcing his withdrawal after just 11 minutes on the pitch.

Isak immediately grabbed his lower leg before limping from the field, with fears of a serious problem confirmed in Liverpool's official statement, which read: "Alexander Isak today successfully underwent surgery on the injury he sustained on Saturday. The Liverpool striker was injured in a challenge in the process of scoring the opening goal against Tottenham Hotspur and had to be substituted.

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"After diagnosis, an operation was completed today on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. Isak's rehabilitation will now continue at the AXA Training Centre, with no timeframe yet placed on his return."

After Isak's goal, Hugo Ekitike extended the Reds' lead with a superbly directed header - his fifth strike in just three Premier League outings, demonstrating his credentials to assume Liverpool's central striking role.

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Slot appears satisfied with the Frenchman's displays thus far, though he remains eager to extract even more from him. The Liverpool boss said: "He still needs to get stronger, but he's already become stronger. He can score a goal, he has great footwork, dribbling skills, he has so much in his locker.

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"He's adjusted to the Premier League now, the biggest thing is how he can become physically outstanding, that's what he's working on really hard.

"In the last two, three, four minutes he was very, very, very tired at Tottenham. I see this often. But there's hardly any rest for these players, I have to give them a lot of compliments. Every time they fight, fight and fight from first second to the last."

With Isak sidelined for several months, Slot's remarks take on added significance as Liverpool face four fixtures in just 12 days, beginning with Wolves.

The Reds boss is grappling with multiple fitness concerns after both Florian Wirtz and Conor Bradley were forced off during the Tottenham encounter with suspected knocks. This compounds existing absences, with Cody Gakpo, Wataru Endo and Joe Gomez all currently unavailable for selection.

Addressing the injury situation, Slot revealed: "Conor will be 50/50. He's not training with us today or tomorrow. Friday we will see exactly where he is if he can be in squad. Joe won't be available, Wata won't be, Cody is a bit similar to Conor.

"Florian is okay. Just had cramp at Tottenham. In an ideal world, I could have rested him more. But he's okay."

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak faces a lengthy absence after suffering a suspected broken leg during Saturday's victory over Tottenham. The former Newcastle marksman suffered the injury whilst scoring the opener, coming down awkwardly following a late sliding tackle from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven. The challenge left the forward writhing in agony and unable to join his team-mates in celebration.

He required medical attention before limping off to make way for Jeremie Frimpong, who was himself later withdrawn after being caught by Richarlison's wayward elbow. Medical scans are expected to confirm Liverpool's worst fears that their record signing has indeed broken his leg. Such an injury would likely rule him out for a number of weeks at the very least.

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Speaking after the final whistle in north London, manager Arne Slot said: "It's difficult to know what he exactly has. But it's never a nice thing that after the goal he collided with their defender. Hopefully he's fine, but we have to wait and see."

It represents a devastating blow for Liverpool, leaving them with only Hugo Ekitike as their sole available recognised striker. Cody Gakpo is sidelined until the New Year and Mohamed Salah is representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Isak had struggled to settle at Anfield, managing merely three goals in 16 outings across all competitions, but seemed to be discovering his rhythm after dispatching a clinical finish beyond Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

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He will draw upon experience gained at Newcastle, where a series of injuries also threatened to disrupt his career.

Following his move from Spanish side Real Sociedad, Isak managed only three outings before sustaining a thigh problem whilst on international duty. The striker would subsequently score 54 league goals for the Magpies across three seasons.

He later revealed that Newcastle's measured approach to his setback proved vital in enabling his explosive return.

Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbollskanalen, Isak reflected: "I got a thigh injury. The first six months at the club were tough and it took some time to come back from the injury, but it was still okay because I still got to play three games and show a bit.

"Then the team did so well that it took the pressure off me and I could focus on my rehab instead of thinking the team needed me. It helped a bit, but it's clear it wasn't easy."

Isak was sidelined for four fixtures at the end of October and beginning of November due to a groin complaint and may now be facing up to six months on the treatment table if scans confirm he has broken his leg.

The responsibility now falls on his team-mates to maintain the positive results and alleviate the intense scrutiny Isak was already facing due to his hefty price tag.

Otherwise, the frustrations surrounding his challenging start to life in Merseyside will only escalate.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has given his players Christmas Day off ahead of their clash with Wolves next weekend. The Reds picked up their ninth Premier League victory of the campaign on Saturday night as they overcame a defiant Tottenham 2-1 in north London.

Liverpool made hard work of Thomas Frank’s men, who had Xavi Simons sent off in the first-half before Cristian Romero was also dismissed in stoppage time at the end of the match. The Reds appeared to be cruising following strikes from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. But the finale proved chaotic as Spurs’ nine men pushed for an equaliser at the death after Richarlison had sparked hopes of a comeback with a late strike. Ultimately, the visitors clung on to secure the three points and move level with fourth-place Chelsea.

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According to The Athletic, Slot will not ask his Liverpool players to train on Christmas Day.

And following the win against Spurs, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk explained: “Now we have a couple of days off. We will recover and then we will focus on Wolves. First we have Christmas. Being with your family and being healthy are the most important things in life.”

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Slot is clearly attempting to bring back the feel-good factor at Anfield following a difficult season for the Reds.

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Liverpool stormed to the top of the Premier League table at the start of the campaign after winning their first five league matches. But their form nosedived as the side suffered six defeats in seven Premier League encounters between the end of September and late November.

That run also coincided with a 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat at home to Crystal Palace in October and a humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV at Anfield last month.

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But the Merseyside giants have since overcome Inter Milan at the San Siro and have seen off Brighton and Tottenham to record their first back-to-back league victories since mid-September.

Following their victory over Tottenham, Liverpool players headed straight out for a festive team meal. And for now, it appears Slot will be given the opportunity to lead his side forward after navigating the tricky spell.

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“Three points away at Spurs is very nice,” Slot admitted after Saturday’s match. “For us, the aim was again to win because we need wins to make the league table look a bit better for us.”

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And he added: “They were close, they came close a few times. It’s unbelievable if you play against nine men that in the nine minutes of added time I wouldn’t be surprised if they had the ball for eight-and-a-half minutes. That’s not what you expect.

“Maybe that tells you where we are in the season. We need a few wins to get a bit more comfortable if we have a setback like today where the goalie concedes for 2-1.”

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was forced off with an injury just minutes after coming off the bench to net the opening goal during the Reds' 2-1 win against Tottenham on Saturday evening. And the Merseyside giants are said to be concerned at the extent of the damage caused to the player’s leg.

Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle at the end of the summer transfer window but has endured a tough start to life in the north west. The 26-year-old lacked match fitness when he arrived at Anfield following a disrupted pre-season and had to wait weeks to make his Liverpool debut. He has since suffered a number of injury issues and has started just six Premier League games for the club. And his latest setback has proven to be incredibly worrying for his employers.

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Isak was named on the bench for Liverpool’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but came off the bench at half-time after the hosts had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Xavi Simons.

The forward illustrated his quality as he opened the scoring 11 minutes into the second-half when he fired the ball beyond the reach of home goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

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But he was challenged by Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven as he took his shot, and he stayed on the ground after the ball hit the back of the net.

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Liverpool medical staff rushed onto the pitch to treat the former Newcastle man, but he was unable to continue as he was helped off the pitch.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool fear Isak suffered a significant leg injury and are worried about how much damage has been caused.

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The issue is said to be affecting the lower part of his leg, with the player due to undergo an MRI scan to reveal the full extent of the injury. And it is unclear at this stage just how long Liverpool will be without the potent goalscorer.

Slot was asked about Isak’s injury in the aftermath of Saturday’s match. And the Dutchman admitted: “I haven’t spoken to him about it yet, but it’s a good thing he scored - a good goal assisted by Florian Wirtz. I said players are getting better, the team is getting better.

“It wasn’t perfect today, especially the last 10 minutes, but we pick up points and are developing in a way I want to see.

“That’s what we’d like to see happening a lot. A good finish, a good pass. Let’s not be too negative yet. We don’t know yet, let’s hope he is back with us soon.”

Tottenham were narrowly beaten at home by Liverpool despite putting in a valiant display after being reduced in numbers. The north Londoners were let down by a moment of madness from Xavi Simons, who was dismissed after just 33 minutes for a brainless foul on Virgil van Dijk. He was initially shown a yellow card but it was correctly upgraded to a straight red following a VAR intervention.

It left Tottenham with a mountain to climb, but they dug deep and arguably looked better with one less player on the pitch. Unfortunately for the hosts, it was Liverpool who struck the first blow with Alexander Isak scoring and injuring himself in the process. Hugo Ekitike doubled their lead with 25 minutes remaining, with Cristian Romero at fault for both goals.

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Richarlison offered a glimmer of hope with a late strike for Tottenham, which seemed to inspire the hosts as they piled forward. However, a silly moment from Romero all but ended their hopes of snatching a dramatic equaliser. He was sent off for lashing out in the closing minutes, with his display of rage leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish another red card.

Express Sport rates and slates the Tottenham players following today's defeat...

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Tottenham player ratings vs Liverpool

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

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Made a couple of smart saves to keep the score level until the opening goal, which he probably could have done more to stop.

Pedro Porro - 7

Got himself in the right positions to snuff out counter-attacking moves. Posed a threat with his crossing further forward. A decent display.

Cristian Romero - 3

Wasn't strong enough in defence. At fault for the opening goal and too weak for the second, after which he was booked for dissent. Got a second yellow for losing his temper in stoppage time in another idiotic moment.

Micky van de Ven - 6

Produced a few crucial interceptions and kept the ball moving with some simple passes to nearby team-mates. Was the better of Tottenham's central defensive pairing.

Djed Spence - 7

Caused problems with his mazy running down the left flank and was Tottenham's biggest threat for the most part. Was unfortunate to be on the wrong side of a few questionable refereeing decisions.

Archie Gray - 6

Did okay in the middle of the park without setting the world alight. Job was made harder when Spurs were reduced in numbers.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 5

Ran around a lot but did little worth mentioning apart from a block to deny Florian Wirtz. Doesn't seem to offer much these days. Picked up a late booking.

Lucas Bergvall - 5

Looked lively to start with but saw his influence tail off as the match progressed. Blended into the background after the red card.

Mohammed Kudus - 5

Had opportunities to break away down the right but often killed momentum by slowing play down, which frustrated the home crowd. Pulled off a few nice passes, though.

Xavi Simons - 3

Did okay until he was rightly sent off for raking his studs down the back of Van Dijk's leg. Had no chance of winning the ball and ended up letting his team down in a moment of madness.

Randal Kolo Muani - 6

Had a few attempts on goal, missing a big chance from point-blank range and hitting the crossbar in the second half. Looked dangerous but lacked the clinical edge needed to score.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson - 6

Came on for the final 30 minutes, replacing Kudus. Looked up for it but couldn't get himself on the scoresheet.

Joao Palhinha - 6

Looked energetic and became frustrated with his team-mates when he tried to lead the press but nobody followed.

Wilson Odobert - 5

Introduced for the final 20 minutes in place of Bergvall. Didn't offer a great deal, in all honesty.

Richarlison - 7

Immediately made a nuisance of himself in the box and scored within seconds of coming off the bench. A great cameo.

Liverpool overcame nine-man Tottenham in north London courtesy of second-half goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike. The match was evenly-poised in the opening period but swung in the visitors’ favour after Tottenham were reduced to 10 men 33 minutes into the encounter when Xavi Simons was dismissed after catching the back of Virgil van Dijk’s leg with his studs.

Isak came off the bench at half-time and opened the scoring 11 minutes after the interval. But he sustained an injury in the process of finding the back of the net and was forced off the pitch again. Liverpool doubled their advantage midway through the second period as Ekitike rose well to head the ball into the top corner as the Reds appeared to be cruising. But Richarlison gave Tottenham hope with a goal in the 83rd minute before the home side pushed for an equaliser. Liverpool held firm to claim all three points, however, as Cristian Romero was also dismissed in the dying seconds.

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Express Sport rates and slates the Liverpool players...

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Liverpool player ratings vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1)

Alisson - 8

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Had a quiet night for much of the encounter but was ultimately forced into a string of fine saves as Tottenham came forward and caused problems. Always inspires confidence when he starts.

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Conor Bradley - 6

Fired a ball across the box early on but struggled to get into the match. Received medical attention on the pitch during the first-half and was replaced by Isak at the break.

Ibrahima Konate - 5

Looks shaky at times and still fails to convince at the heart of the Reds backline. Was troubled throughout and wasn't given an easy ride, even when Spurs were reduced to nine men.

Virgil van Dijk - 7

Was a threat in the air in the Tottenham box as he looked to get on the end of set-piece deliveries. Would have had a sore leg after being caught by Simons, with the Tottenham man given his marching orders. Stood up well as Spurs attacked at will late on.

Milos Kerkez - 5

Pushed up to support the Liverpool attack but was reluctant to deliver the ball into the box at times and was often wayward with his passes when he did attempt to pick out his team-mates.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7

Continues to be a key players under Arne Slot and dictated play in the centre of the pitch. Was too slow at times in the first-half when Liverpool needed urgency after Tottenham went down to 10 men. Wall called upon more and more to protect the backline as Spurs pushed forward in search of a leveller.

Curtis Jones - 6

Played in midfield but dropped back to form a back five during an intense spell of pressure from the home side in the first-half. Was guilty of playing too many sideways passes but was generally solid throughout.

Dominik Szoboszlai - 7

Has been Liverpool’s best player this season but was quiet in attack in the first-half before moving to right-back after Isak came on. Remained at right-back after Isak was taken off and whipped some decent deliveries into the box.

Alexis Mac Allister - 5

Failed to impress and lacks a cutting edge in the final third. May have suited Liverpool better if he had played further back, with Isak starting in attack with Ekitike. Needs to offer more if he is to keep his place in the Reds team.

Florian Wirtz - 8

Looked dangerous in the final third and had a chance with a header midway through the first-half, before firing another effort at goal soon afterwards. Looked to get behind the Tottenham backline but wasn’t always picked out by Liverpool’s creators. Laid on the assist for Isak’s strike and made a nuisance of himself throughout.

Huge Ekitike - 8

Has been in scintillating form in recent weeks and popped up with another goal for the Reds as he appeared to have put the game to bed in north London. Was isolated up front in the first-half but had more luck after the interval as he showed his qualities once again.

Substitutions

Alexander Isak - 7

Introduced to the action at half-time as Slot attempted to make the most of his side’s numerical advantage. Took just 11 minutes to find the back of the net but was hurt while scoring the goal as he was forced off the pitch.

Jeremie Frimpong - 7

Came on for Isak following the Sweden international’s injury and played in an advanced position. Was himself replaced after also picking up an injury.

Federico Chiesa - 7

Came on for Jeremie Frimpong in stoppage time at the end of the match as Liverpool attempted to cling on to the win.

Trey Nyoni - N/A

Came on with seconds remaining.

Andy Robertson - N/A

Featured for a matter of seconds at the end of the match.

Tottenham are bracing themselves for the possibility of a busy January transfer window, as several departures and arrivals could be in the pipeline over the next month. Among those who may be heading out of north London is Brennan Johnson, who has found game-time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

BBC Sport reports that while Spurs aren't actively seeking to offload the Wales international, they would consider a departure if the right offer comes in. The report suggests that Crystal Palace are among the clubs showing the most serious interest in the 24-year-old, which could lead to a January move.

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This development comes just over two years after Tottenham landed Johnson from Nottingham Forest for £47.5m, where he quickly became an integral part of Ange Postecoglou's squad. The winger had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, scoring numerous crucial goals, and perhaps none were as significant as the one he netted for Spurs in the Europa League final, where he scored the decisive goal against Manchester United.

While he ended the club's lengthy trophy drought, it hasn't been easy for the star since. Postecoglou's departure in turn meant Johnson has struggled to regain his place in the team.

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Thomas Frank has only given him six Premier League starts so far this season, preferring other players over him in the squad. Consequently, a departure could be on the cards for Johnson - depending on the kind of offer Tottenham are waiting for in the market.

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Speaking about Johnson's struggles this season, Frank said: "I'm very aware that Brennan's got some very good qualities. One of them is scoring goals, running in behind and arriving in the box. I really like everything about him. He also scored goals this year as well. Four, I think, in total. So I'm very aware of them.

"So it's all about how you create that team, where we perform, how we get the best players in, where do we play them. Is it Mo [Kudus] to the right, is it Brennan? Who plays the No.10? What kind of player do we play in a different position to make it click?

"And then we also need a little bit of depth, because we play every third or fourth day, to keep the freshness, the energy. So that's a challenge."

While Johnson's immediate future remains uncertain, Tottenham themselves encounter several obstacles in the transfer market. The winger's market worth has plummeted to unprecedented lows since his arrival at the club, dropping to €35m (£30m) according to transfermarkt's value tool.

This presents a considerable hurdle in securing an agreement for the 24-year-old. Should he depart, Tottenham will confront serious questions regarding the depth of their offensive options.

The side has failed to produce many convincing attacking performances during Frank's tenure, so far, a situation worsened by crucial personnel shortages within the squad. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke have all been absent throughout the campaign, representing a significant setback within the forward ranks.

Without those stars, and the lack of impact from Johnson so far, it remains to be seen how well Spurs can do under Frank in an attacking sense, as pressure ramps up on him over his job. The Danish coach pleaded for time, following his side's recent defeat to Nottingham Forest.

"It's pretty evident if no-one gets the time, no-one can turn it around. This is not a quick fix," he said.