Virgil van Dijk has been sent back to Liverpool early from international duty, with uncertainty lingering over whether it’s due to rest or a potential injury.
The Dutch national team cited “medical grounds” for the center-back’s return, but many fans speculated that he was being rested ahead of a relatively inconsequential Nations League fixture.
Liverpool later confirmed the development, stating:
“Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will not feature in the Netherlands’ second fixture of this international window on Tuesday night.
The centre-back has left the Dutch camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as announced this morning.
Van Dijk led his country to a 4-0 win over Hungary in Amsterdam on Saturday, securing their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals.
He will now return to the AXA Training Centre this week for assessment ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Southampton on Sunday.”
It remains unclear if Van Dijk has a fitness issue, leaving Liverpool supporters anxious as no definitive information has been provided.
While it’s plausible that Dutch manager Ronald Koeman opted to rest the 33-year-old to avoid unnecessary risks, questions arise as to why the same consideration wasn’t extended to teammates Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, who remain with the squad.
The ambiguity surrounding Van Dijk’s situation has sparked mixed reactions, with some fearing a more serious issue while others suspect the real reason is being deliberately obscured.
Given Van Dijk’s importance to Liverpool, the decision may simply prioritize ensuring he’s in top condition for the Reds’ upcoming matches.
However, the lack of clarity might shield him and his manager from criticism for leaving the national team early.
Fans will be hoping this time back in Liverpool includes progress on finalizing a new contract for their captain.
