Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has revealed details of his text message exchange with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak following his fatal injury. The club’s record bid is expected to be delayed for at least several months.
The ankle injury occurred when Isak was caught by Van de Ven while scoring the Reds’ opening goal against Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He subsequently underwent surgery to address the problem, which included a fractured fibula. The blow is a further setback for Isak, who has found it difficult to establish himself at the club following his £125m move from Newcastle this summer.
Van de Ven revealed the contents of the message he sent to Isak after the fierce Premier League match.
“Yeah, I emailed him, of course,” the Spurs centre-half told Sky Sports.
“I texted him because I didn’t want to hurt him and I didn’t want to do anything that would hurt him. I was just trying to block the shot and I think it was a little unlucky that his foot landed between my legs.”
“So I texted him afterwards and I just wanted to wish him well.
“That’s what I told him and we hope to see him back on the pitch again soon.”
Asked whether Mr Isaac had replied, he added: “Yes, he really appreciated the message. He texted back.”
Van de Ven kept the details of Isak’s reaction secret, but it’s safe to assume the Liverpool star appreciated the gesture and accepted his apology. His focus will now be on returning to full fitness as soon as possible.
Discussing Isak’s return, head coach Arne Slott expressed confidence that the striker would be back before the end of the season.
“Yes, (he will play again this season). I’m confident. I think it’s been a really challenging and difficult time for him. Maybe no one understands, but if you haven’t practiced at a serious level with your team for three or four months and you’re playing in this league… in this league you have to be at the top of the game to have an impact on the game.”
“As we all knew, it took months to get him there. There was no preseason, so it was game, game, game.
“We always knew he was going to need time because he had very little time to train. That’s why it’s unfortunate that he’s injured now. I think everyone saw with the goal against West Ham and this goal (against Tottenham) that he’s getting closer and closer to the player he was at Newcastle.”
