Virgil van Dijk has been a metronome at the back for Liverpool ever since he arrived at Anfield on the back of his record move from Southampton.
This season has been no different for the Dutchman, though that may be about to change.
Liverpool issue message as Virgil van Dijk returns prematurely from international duty
In a statement issued on their official website, Liverpool have confirmed that Virgil van Dijk “will return to the AXA Training Centre this week for assessment ahead of the Reds’ campaign resuming with a trip to Southampton on Sunday.”
The Liverpool and Netherlands captain played the full 90 minutes against Hungary at the weekend before leaving the national team camp “on medical grounds“, as confirmed by his coach, Ronald Koeman. The Oranje are yet to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final game of their UEFA Nations League campaign.
A potential absence of the Dutchman from their backline will be of particular concern for the Reds, for whom Van Dijk has played every minute of Premier League and UEFA Champions League football this season.
The injury concern adds further uncertainty regarding the 33-year-old’s future at Anfield, with his £220k-per-week contract set to expire next summer.
Van Dijk should be fine
Given the precautionary nature of his national team’s decision, Van Dijk should be fine in the long term; at worst we can expect him to sit out the upcoming Southampton game given the two matches after that are against Real Madrid and Man City.
As for the contract, Liverpool should absolutely consider offering him another year while simultaneously planning for his long-term replacement.
More Liverpool News:
- Liverpool star excels despite demoralizing defeat on international stage
- 79 touches, 96% passes: Liverpool midfield star continues club form on to international stage
- 131 touches, 95% passes: Liverpool captain puts in solid display for Netherlands against Hungary
