Virgil van Dijk withdraws from Netherlands squad after Liverpool captain ‘played through pain in recent weeks’

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has withdrawn from the Netherlands national team squad ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Germany. The national team confirmed that the 35-year-old defender is not fit to play after reportedly managing a minor knock and playing through pain for Liverpool in recent weeks.

Netherlands manager Xavi will not call up a replacement for Van Dijk or Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey, who was also ruled out with fitness issues. The international break also saw injury withdrawals elsewhere, including Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and Northern Ireland's Ceadach O'Neill.