Liverpool have an issue to monitor before Manchester United visit Anfield. Virgil van Dijk has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad, and that immediately turns a routine international break update into a fitness concern.
The Dutch defender had been selected by Xavi for Nations League fixtures against Greece and Germany. That plan changed quickly. The official update was clear: “Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey have been dropped from the Dutch national team’s upcoming international matches. Both players did not return fit from the past weekend’s matches and are therefore unavailable.
“The squad thus currently consists of 23 players.”
Van Dijk fitness latest for Liverpool
There is no value in dressing this up. When a 35-year-old centre-back pulls out of international duty after a weekend match, Liverpool will worry until they know more. Andoni Iraola now waits for clarity ahead of a major fixture, with Manchester United due at Anfield a week on Sunday.
Van Dijk has remained heavily used this season. He has missed only one game and started 14 of his 15 appearances in all competitions. That tells you two things, he is still central to Liverpool, and any absence would matter.
Liverpool international break picture
Van Dijk is not the only senior Liverpool player staying put. Alisson Becker has also been left out of Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against Japan and Singapore. That decision appears tactical rather than medical.
Carlo Ancelotti explained it plainly: “We don’t need to test Alisson, we know him very well. He is the best goalkeeper. When the Copa America begins, he will be called up, and it’s the same for the others [experienced players].
“Right now, it’s time to observe, refresh the squad, and help young players reach their full potential.”
Manchester United game now takes focus
For Liverpool, the headline is simple. Alisson’s omission looks manageable. Van Dijk’s withdrawal does not. Until Iraola gets encouraging medical feedback, Liverpool vs Manchester United comes with an obvious question hanging over it, can their captain recover in time for the biggest game after the break?
