Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk picked up a knock while playing against Sweden at the World Cup, but he says he will be fine after an unusual issue
07:53, 21 Jun 2026
Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk during the Netherlands vs Sweden at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk during the Netherlands vs Sweden at the World Cup.(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool and Netherlands captain, has revealed that he picked up an unusual knock while playing against Sweden at the World Cup on Saturday, but he says he will be fine.
In the second half, referee Michael Oliver was spotted going over to Van Dijk to check he was fine to continue. The Liverpool center-back quickly insisted that he was, but was clearly in some discomfort, and he was asked about it at the final whistle.
"I got a knock on my hip and I couldn’t feel my thigh anymore, so that was a bit very strange, but it was probably a nerve," he said post-match. "I think it’s not too bad, but we’ll see."
The Netherlands won the game 5-1 with Cody Gakpo starring and Ryan Gravenberch playing well. Gakpo set up the opener and went on to score twice himself.
A few days after Liverpool confirmed the signing of left winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna, Gakpo put in the kind of performance that can act as a reminder to new head coach Andoni Iraola of what he is capable of.
Gakpo teed up Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey early on in the game with a pinpoint low cross into the middle. He was lively throughout the match.
ARLINGTON - Virgil van Dijk or the Netherlands during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between the Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium on June 14, 2026, in Arlington, United States. ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk during the World Cup Group F match between the Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
The Liverpool man struggled for much of last season, but Gakpo showed in the campaign before that how well he can respond to competition. He was much better when he had to fight for his spot alongside Luis Diaz.
He has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with Tottenham said to be keen. However, the Reds need more attacking numbers, not fewer, even after the arrival of Munoz.
"It is, of course, a shame that the manager has been sacked," Gakpo said a couple of weeks ago when Arne Slot was fired.
"Especially so soon after the season where we had fought to qualify for the Champions League.
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"But yes, I believe the club released a statement about that, with the explanation in it. Ultimately, I don’t think anyone, any of the players, saw it coming. But it certainly happened.
"Many of our players at the club are also working towards the World Cup now, so we’ll have to quickly put that aside, no matter how difficult that can be for someone."
Having drawn 2-2 with Japan in their World Cup opener, the Netherlands will face Tunisia next. They are currently top of the group with four points from a possible six.