Klopp Still Doesn't Accept Pickford's Rough Foul On Van Dijk

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has denounced the rough violations committed by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to his flagship player Virgil van Dijk. However, he believes Van Dijk will play tougher when the Dutchman recovers from a knee injury.

Van Dijk had to enter the treatment table after being tackled by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park last weekend. This match ends equally strong 2-2.

"This situation is really sickening. You don't need it but you have to deal with it and Virgil will handle it, 100 per cent," Klopp said on the Liverpool website as quoted by Antara , Tuesday, October 20.

"We are in constant contact. We are there for her, she knows that and we will wait for her like a good wife to wait when her husband returns from prison."

Van Dijk's knee surgery is yet to be scheduled. Klopp did not set a timescale regarding the center-back's return. However, it is estimated that the Southampton defender will be out for up to 7-8 months.

"Some things are certain. He will now be out for a while," continued Klopp.

Pickford will face no penalty for the foul after the Football Association ruled the incident had been seen by match officials, including VAR.

Meanwhile, Klopp also said midfielder Naby Keita could feature against Ajax Amsterdam in Wednesday's Champions League match after he resumed training following the negative COVID-19 results.

The 25-year-old player tested positive for the virus while defending the Guinea national team.

Thiago Alcantara will undergo a fitness test ahead of the trip to Amsterdam due to being hit by midfielder Richarlison which caused the Brazilian to be sent off in the 90th minute.

"He got hit," said the German boss. "Not as serious as Van Dijk. But is he ready to play on Wednesday? I don't know yet. We'll see."