Liverpool's dressing room is said to be "devastated" by the serious injury of defender Virgil van Dijk.
In fact, players are 'struggling' to sleep following the incident last weekend, according to Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who has opened up about the 'hard to take' moment at Goodison Park.
Last weekend's fiesty Merseyside derby involved a series of controversial moments, including Richarlison's high challenge on Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson's last minute goal that was ruled out by VAR.
But Van Dijk hobbling off after a scissor-tackle from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was by far the most concerning.
"He could have easily been sent off."
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 17, 2020
"I'm very surprised it's just been forgotten about?"
Jordan Pickford's challenge on Virgil van Dijk did not look good 😬
Should VAR have stepped in after this? pic.twitter.com/wTcW6CHcIf
Liverpool would later confirm that the Dutch centre-back had suffered a knee ligament injury and will undergo surgery, with reports suggesting the player will be out 'for the best part of seven to eight months'.
Many have reacted to the incident since it happened, including former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, who thinks players who cause serious injury should be banned while the injured player cannot play.
🗣️ "...how long the player you tackle is out, whether you meant it or not, is how long will be suspended."
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) October 19, 2020
It's been claimed Jordan Pickford should be suspended for as long as Van Dijk is out injured. https://t.co/NVki6lvCpn
And now Van Dijk's teammate Georginio Wijnaldum has opened up by saying the dressing room has reacted badly to the injury blow.
"This was different than normal," Wijnaldum said via The Mirror. "The way it happened was really hard for us, and everyone still has a really bad feeling about it.
"None of the players slept. It's a hard one to take and it was a hard one for the team."
Wijnaldum went on speak about how the Van Dijk situation could impact Liverpool's title hopes this season.
"Virgil is a really important player in our team - he has showed that since he came in. He is a leader. It's up to us to show that we can still put in good performances without Virgil. We have to."
Can Jurgen Klopp's side bounce back from Van Dijk's absence and win the Premier League crown again?
Let us know in the comments.
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/news-reactions-liverpool-players-devastated-and-cant-sleep-after-van-dijk-injury-20201021
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