Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will miss the Netherlands’ final two UEFA Nations League group matches after being deemed unfit for international duty.
The 35-year-old defender has withdrawn from the Dutch squad alongside Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, leaving head coach Xavi Hernandez without two experienced options for the upcoming fixtures.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed the developments on Monday, announcing that neither player would be available against Greece or Germany.
However, the federation has decided against calling up replacements, meaning the Netherlands will complete the international break with a reduced squad.
Van Dijk’s absence is particularly significant given his importance to the Dutch defence and his status as national team captain.
The experienced centre-back played the full 90 minutes of Liverpool’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, making his subsequent withdrawal somewhat unexpected.
Neither Liverpool nor the Dutch federation has provided specific details about the problem preventing him from representing his country.
Van Dijk has been a regular fixture in Liverpool’s defence this season, and his availability will be closely monitored before domestic football resumes.
The former Southampton defender recently reached 100 international appearances, further underlining his importance to the national team.
His withdrawal leaves Hernandez needing to reorganise his defence ahead of two matches that could determine the Netherlands’ final position in their Nations League group.
Brobbey, meanwhile, was involved in Sunderland’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Sunday but was replaced after 67 minutes.
The 24-year-old has endured previous fitness setbacks on international duty and will now miss another opportunity to strengthen his position in the Dutch attack.
His absence also leaves Sunderland awaiting further clarity on his condition as they prepare for their next Premier League fixture.
The Netherlands currently lead their Nations League group with eight points from four matches, although Greece are level on points.
Germany remain within touching distance on five points, making the final two fixtures important in the battle for first place.
The Dutch will host Greece in Amsterdam on Friday before travelling to Berlin to face Germany three days later.
Despite losing Van Dijk and Brobbey, Xavi has opted to work with the players already available rather than introduce additional options.
For Liverpool and Sunderland, attention will now turn to whether their respective players can recover before the Premier League returns.
Neither club has yet confirmed a timetable for their return to action.