Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been ruled out of the Netherlands squad for their forthcoming UEFA Nations League matches. The Dutch national team, who lead their group, are in action at home to Greece on Friday before finishing their schedule at Germany on Monday evening.
They will have to do without both Van Dijk and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, with Netherlands head coach Xavi choosing not to call up any further players to his squad.
Official statement from Dutch FA
A statement from the Dutch football association on Monday said: "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 featured in every minute for Liverpool in the Premier League this season and has started three of the four Champions League matches and the recent Carabao Cup win over Chelsea.
Fitness concerns for Liverpool
He played the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, but did appear to struggle during the midweek Champions League loss at Fenerbahce after a few heavy challenges early on.
Liverpool will now monitor Van Dijk's fitness ahead of their next match at home to bitter North West rivals Manchester United on Sunday week.
Other injury worries
The Reds are already sweating on the fitness of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who was forced off during the second half at Palace with a knee issue and underwent tests after linking up with the Hungary squad on Monday.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola stated at the weekend he was fearful of suffering any injuries during the international break having lost Szoboszlai, Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo after national team duty last month.
