Mark Bosnich calls for Pickford to be banned for length of Van Dijk injury

Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Bosnich has called for Everton's Jordan Pickford to be banned until Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk returns to action.

The Dutch centre-back was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from Pickford in the Merseyside derby, which may have ended his season after it was confirmed that Van Dijk will need to undergo surgery.

The challenge controversially went unpunished due to an offside call, but Bosnich thinks that more severe punishment for dangerous tackles needs to be imposed.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Bosnich said: "One thing that has never really come into serious consideration is that when there are challenges that are made, at the reckless level, which would be endangering an opponent's safety.

"I really do think that if that's the case, the powers that be have got to look at, maybe as a deterrent, how long the player you tackle is out, whether you meant it or not, is how long will be suspended.

"Because like I said, these types of tackles and the one later on from Richarlison, even though I thought Richarlison's was worse than Pickford's.

"Regardless of whether they mean it or not, it's putting the other players at risk and in danger. And I think the only way, like I said, long-term to deter players from actually putting themselves in the position where they're going to risk an opponent is to actually consider the rule."

Jurgen Klopp's men will be forced to make do without Van Dijk for some time, starting with their Champions League group-stage clash with Ajax on Wednesday evening.