Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti says that everyone at the club - especially goalkeeper Jordan Pickford - is "really sorry" for the injury to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk which occurred during last weekend's Merseyside derby.
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The Dutchman suffered a cruciate ligament injury which requires surgery and is likely to put him out for the season.
"To be clear, we are really sorry for the injury of Virgil van Dijk," Ancelotti told reporters on Thursday.
"Every one of us hopes he can recover soon and well."
England goalkeeper Pickford escaped any sanction for his clumsy scissors-like tackle but he was widely criticised, with many calling for retrospective punishment.
Ancelotti said the goalkeeper was especially upset. "Jordan arrived a little bit later but his intention was to try to reach the ball. It was not to hurt Virgil van Dijk," said the Italian.
"To say it was premeditated, and this and that, in my opinion, is too much. Virgil van Dijk knows this.
"Jordan is really sad, really disappointed. It was a strong contact, maybe mistimed, but sometimes in football it can happen."
Australian Associated Press
