Wijnaldum blasts 'unacceptable' Everton after Van Dijk injury

Liverpool’s fury at losing Virgil van Dijk for a prolonged period was laid bare on Tuesday when Georginio Wijnaldum accused Everton of a “completely unacceptable” approach to Merseyside derbies. The Netherlands midfielder also labelled goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s challenge “completely stupid”, while a clearly seething Jürgen Klopp said he shared his players’ opinion on the incident.

The Liverpool manager and midfielder are in Amsterdam for the Champions League opener against Ajax on Wednesday but it was their Merseyside rivals who were the main focus – and target – of a combative press conference. Wijnaldum said Liverpool players endured a sleepless night on Saturday after Van Dijk damaged an anterior cruciate ligament and remain devastated four days on. The Netherlands international, a close friend of his compatriot, did not try to disguise the impact of the defender’s absence on Liverpool nor the feelings within the squad over what happened during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.

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