Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum criticized Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for the “stupid” tackle that has ruled out teammate Virgil van Dijk with a long-term injury and said Tuesday the squad is still struggling to come to terms with the incident.
Van Dijk damaged cruciate ligaments in his right knee after a reckless challenge by Pickford early in the 2-2 draw between the Merseyside rivals in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Netherlands center back — widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world — will have an operation in the coming days and is facing months on the sidelines, though Liverpool hasn’t given an exact timetable on Van Dijk’s absence.