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Published 13:47 IST, October 20th 2020

Joel Matip's reaction to Richarlison's challenge on Thiago leaves Liverpool fans shocked

Everton's Richarlison lunged into a horror tackle on Thiago Alcantara during the Merseyside derby last weekend with the Spaniard now a doubt to face Ajax.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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The previous weekend's Merseyside derby thriller could not escape the wrath of controversy. The clash between two of the top Premier League sides this season saw some horrendous physical display, with two Liverpool players left reeling with injuries. Virgil van Dijk had to be subbed off after a brutal challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while Richarlison's tackle on Thiago Alcantara resulted in a red card for the Brazilian. 

Also Read | Virgil van Dijk vows to come back stronger for Liverpool following ACL surgery

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Van Dijk to undergo surgery after ACL injury in Everton vs Liverpool clash 

Van Dijk was subjected to a horrendous challenge from Pickford six minutes into the derby. The Dutchman had to exit the game five minutes later. Further tests conducted on the defender after the Everton vs Liverpool clash suggested that he had suffered an ACL injury. 

Following the tests, the club confirmed that Van Dijk will need to undergo surgery for the same. He is now expected to miss nearly the entirety of the season. Everton winger Richarlison's cruel tackle on Thiago also infuriated the Liverpool squad, with Joel Matip particularly incensed at the challenge. 

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Also Read | Man City defender Laporte sends wishes to Van Dijk after Liverpool star suffers ACL injury

Richarlison tackle infuriates Joel Matip 

In a video that has gone viral since the Merseyside derby, Joel Matip is seen walking angrily up to the referee to demand a red card after the Richarlison tackle on the former Bayern Munich star. This isn't, however, the first instance of an angry walk from the defender. Two years ago, he was filmed in a similar situation after a similar tackle from Everton. 

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Also Read | Van Dijk injury: Who can replace the Dutch centre-back at Liverpool?

Fans react to Joel Matip's angry walk

Klopp provides Thiago injury update 

Speaking on the midfielder's injury to Liverpool's official website, Jurgen Klopp claimed that Thiago suffered a 'proper knock' in the Merseyside derby and more medical checks need to be done on him. The manager confirmed that Thiago could miss the Champions League opener against Ajax. 

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However, Klopp insisted that Thiago's injury wasn't as series as Van Dijk's. Meanwhile, Naby Keita has returned to Melwood and might bag minutes against the Eredivisie champions. Klopp confirmed that Keita has recovered from coronavirus and is available for selection. Joel Matip also suffered a slight knock after the Merseyside derby but is expected to recover in time to make the squad for the game against Ajax.  

Also Read | Liverpool fans start petition to dismiss VAR official in charge during game vs Everton

Image courtesy: AP

13:47 IST, October 20th 2020