
Formal processes are available for clubs seeking to complain or seek clarity on decisions taken, but Liverpool have written directly to the Premier League detailing the two narratives they have been presented with since the 2-2 draw, and querying how two different explanations have been offered.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk receives treatment after colliding with Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during their Premier League clash at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England, October 17, 2020.
"If you asked me at the start of the season who is the one player Liverpool don't want to be missing for a chunk of the season, for me it would be Van Dijk", former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness told Sky Sports.
Speculation quickly surfaced after the game that the Dutchman had suffered a season-ending injury to his ACL, and while Liverpool haven't put any timescale on a potential return for their star defender, they have confirmed that he will require surgery and what is likely to be a lengthy spell of rehabilitation.
Returning to action after ACL surgery can take many months.
Some are already writing off Liverpool's chances of retaining the top-flight crown after losing Van Dijk, but Johnson thinks Fabinho has already proven he can fill the void in the heart of the defence.
With the summer transfer window only just closed, Klopp will have to wait until January to bolster his now threadbare options at centre-back.
If anything, they should use it to create a siege mentality, using it as inspiration as they look to win back-to-back Premier League titles.
The sidelining of Van Dijk is compounded by the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker with a shoulder injury.
But they remain ahead of the rest of the expected title challengers with none of the Premier League's "big six" enjoying a ideal start to the season.
Their campaign begins away to Ajax on Wednesday and recent arrival Thiago Alcantara is also a major injury doubt for the trip to Amsterdam.
"We saw him do it a couple of weeks ago and he was man of the match, so he could be the one who slots in".
He went for a scan before a specialist confirmed the extent of the injury.