Virgil van Dijk injury: Liverpool dealt new fitness scare ahead of Manchester United showdown

Virgil van Dijk has withdrawn from the Netherlands national team squad due to fitness concerns, making him a potential doubt for Liverpool's upcoming clash against Manchester United. Dutch head coach Xavi had initially selected the 35-year-old defender for UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Germany, but a federation statement confirmed both Van Dijk and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey were dropped after failing to return fit from their weekend club fixtures.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola will hope the captain recovers before their post-international break match at Anfield against Manchester United. Van Dijk has started 14 of 15 matches across all competitions this season. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alisson Becker will also stay with Liverpool after Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti opted not to select him for friendlies against Japan and Singapore to evaluate younger players.