´It´s just really bad luck for Isak´ – Carragher defends Van de Ven challenge

Jamie Carragher says Alexander Isak’s potential absence is a “huge blow” for Liverpool, but he empathised with Micky van de Ven.

Isak has struggled to make an impact for Arne Slot’s side since his British-record transfer from Newcastle United, scoring just three goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.

The Sweden international netted as a half-time substitute during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham, but was injured in the process of scoring by Van de Ven’s heavy challenge.

While the extent of Isak’s injury has not yet been confirmed, reports claim Liverpool fear it could be a serious problem.

Carragher rued the injury, but the ex-Liverpool defender defended Van de Ven’s tackle.

At home for our final fixture of 2025#LIVWOL pic.twitter.com/V4noGpFFgS

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2025

“It’s a huge blow because I think Liverpool were actually one attacker short anyway,” he told Sky Sports.

“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.

“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’ve put myself in Van de Ven’s position, and that’s a challenge I’d probably make.

“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 there in that situation.”