Ancelotti to keep faith with under-fire keeper

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has no intention of taking goalkeeper Jordan Pickford out of the firing line after a week in the headlines.

The England number one was widely criticised for his reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk, which has ruled the Liverpool defender out for several months with knee ligament damage.

Merseyside Police have looked into threats made on social media against Pickford and Richarlison, who was sent off late in S a t u r d ay ’ s Me r s e y s i d e derby for a challenge on T hiago Alcantara, but Ancelotti has no doubts about his ’ keeper’s focus.

“I don’ t take into consideration to take him out,” said Ancelotti, who said everyone at the club was sorry for the tackle but felt the reaction to it was “too much”.

“He played well, he was focused on the game. I think he is going to play on Sunday.”

Ancelotti was asked if Pickford had apologised directly to the player. He said: “I know he was in contact wi t h ( Jo r d a n ) Henderson, he tried to be in contact with him but I don’t know if he was able to be in contact with him.”

Everton had their own injury woes with James Rodriguez sustaining significant bruising in an early challenge with Van Dijk and, although he completed 90 minutes, he could not train this week.

Ancelotti thought the Colombian’s participation at Southampton was unlikely but was boosted by his re turn to training yesterday.

“James is not definitely out,” said the Italian, who 24 hours earlier had effectively ruled him out.

“He had a big haematoma and was not able to train until today. He is much better now and we have confidence that maybe he can play.”

Ancelotti also confirmed new signing Ben Godfrey would make his full debut with right- backs Seamus Coleman (hamstring) and Jo n j o e Ke n n y (ankle) unavailable.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp meanwhile admitted he does not want to know how long he will be without Van Dijk.

Klopp now only has two fit senior centre- backs in Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, with midfielder Fabinho providing cover as he did in the midweek Champions League victory over Ajax.

Liverpool have refused to put a timescale on how long Van Dijk will be out but have not yet ruled him out of the whole season.

“We don’t even want to know it, to be honest. It will take time, that’s clear,” said Klopp.

Klopp is hoping for some good news on the injury front ahead of tonight’s visit of Sheffield United with potentially the best being on keeper Alisson.

The Brazil international has missed the last three matches with a shoulder problem, but returned to light training this week.

Late fitness checks will also be made on midfield duo Thiago Alcantara (knee) and Naby Keita, and Matip (the latter two with minor knocks).

Liverpool are likely to come up against former striker Rhian Brewster, whom they sold to Sheffield United on deadline day.

The 20-year-old was sold for £23.5 million with his first- team opportunities limited following the arrival of Diogo Jota from Wolves.

Jordan Pickford has been in contact with Henderson.