Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out of the Netherlands’ upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The Dutch national team, who currently top their group, are set to face Greece at home on Friday before wrapping up their campaign against Germany on Monday.
They will be without both Van Dijk and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, with Netherlands head coach Xavi opting against calling up any additional players to fill the void.
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A statement released by the Dutch football association on Monday confirmed, via the Liverpool Echo: “Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey aren’t fit enough to feature in the upcoming Nations League matches. No replacements will be called up.”
Van Dijk has played every single minute for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, while also starting three of their four Champions League outings and the recent Carabao Cup triumph over Chelsea.
The Dutchman completed the full 90 minutes in Sunday afternoon’s 3-1 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace, though he did appear to struggle during the midweek Champions League defeat at Fenerbahçe following some heavy challenges in the early stages.
Liverpool will keep a close eye on Van Dijk’s condition ahead of their next fixture, a highly anticipated home clash against fierce North West rivals Manchester United the following Sunday.
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Liverpool are already anxious over the fitness of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who was substituted during the second half against Palace with a knee problem and underwent assessments after joining up with the Hungary squad on Monday.
Reds head coach Andoni Iraola expressed concern over the weekend about sustaining further injuries during the international break, having already lost Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo to national team stints last month.
