Virgil Van Dijk Withdraws From Netherlands Squad

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has withdrawn from the Netherlands national team squad due to personal reasons. The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Northern Ireland on Friday as the Oranje secured their place at next summer’s tournament, their first major finals since 2014, courtesy of a goalless draw in Belfast.

However, he will play no part when the Netherlands wrap up their qualifying campaign in Amsterdam on Tuesday.

“National team coach Ronald Koeman cannot call on Virgil van Dijk on Tuesday against Estonia,” read a Netherlands statement.

“The captain of the Dutch national team has to miss the game due to personal circumstances and has since left the Oranje training camp.”

The Netherlands were far from their fluid best in Belfastand were fortunate to go in at half-time with the game still goalless when Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis blasted a penalty over the crossbar.

The visitors improved in the second half and enjoyedthe bulk of the possession, but struggled to create many clear-cut chances.

However, With no mention of any injury, Liverpool will hope Van Dijk will be fit and available for the Reds’ trip to Crystal Palace when the Premier League resumes on November 24.

Van Dijk has been an ever-present in the Premier League for the Merseysiders this season, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side build up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.