Virgil van Dijk Sent Home Early from Netherlands Duty
Virgil van Dijk has returned to Liverpool early from international duty with the Netherlands following his red card in their 1-1 draw against Hungary.
The decision for Van Dijk to leave the national team and not stay for their next match against Germany was made with the agreement of both Dutch coach Ronald Koeman and Liverpool.
Koeman noted that while Van Dijk initially wanted to remain with the squad to support his teammates, it made more sense to send him back to Liverpool given the packed football schedule.
Van Dijk’s early return allows him to get some rest before Liverpool’s upcoming matches, which include important fixtures against Chelsea, Arsenal, and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Van Dijk himself acknowledged the decision, emphasizing the need for rest due to the busy match calendar and the extensive traveling involved. He also mentioned that Liverpool had a role in encouraging him to take this break, considering the demanding fixtures that lie ahead.
Liverpool’s schedule is indeed intense, with key games against Chelsea, Arsenal, and RB Leipzig, followed by clashes with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup and Premier League, as well as matches against Aston Villa, Southampton, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. This period also includes another international break, highlighting the importance of managing player fitness to avoid injuries.
Virgil van Dijk Sent Home Early from Netherlands Duty
