Frank hits back at Slot over claim of ‘reckless’ Van de Ven challenge on Isak

Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven makes the challenge that left Alexander Isak with a fractured left leg. Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

Thomas Frank has hit back at Arne Slot after the Liverpool head coach criticised Micky van de Ven for a “reckless” challenge that left Alexander Isak with a fractured leg. Tottenham’s head coach said Van de Ven’s attempt to prevent Isak from scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Spurs was the “natural reaction” of a true defender and that his player had spoken to the Sweden international to apologise.

Liverpool will be without their record £125m signing “for a couple of months”, Slot confirmed on Tuesday. Isak had surgery on Monday to repair an ankle injury that includes a fractured fibula.