Liverpool have been handed a potentially significant boost after the Netherlands national team announced that Virgil van Dijk is not fit to take part in their upcoming international fixtures.
The Dutch captain will miss the matches during this international break, and no replacement has been called up.
For Liverpool supporters, the immediate hope will be that this is nothing serious and that Van Dijk can use the next fortnight to recover properly ahead of the return of Premier League football.
Andoni Iraola will certainly be relieved not to see his captain involved in two demanding international fixtures.
Liverpool need Van Dijk fit and ready
There is no getting away from how important Van Dijk remains to this Liverpool side.
He is the captain, the defensive leader and one of the most experienced players in the squad. Even at 35, he remains a huge part of what Iraola is trying to build at Anfield.
Liverpool have already had enough injury problems this season, and the last thing we need is another important player returning from international duty with a fresh problem.
The previous international break was particularly frustrating for Iraola, who revealed that Liverpool lost three important players.
He has already made it clear that he is worried about the risks involved in sending players away with their countries.
This latest development means Van Dijk will at least avoid the demands of international football over the coming days.
No replacement called up
One interesting detail is that the Netherlands have decided against bringing in another defender to replace Van Dijk.
That suggests they are prepared to work with the squad already selected for their upcoming fixtures.
The Dutch have important Nations League matches against Greece and Germany, so losing their captain is obviously a setback for them.
However, from Liverpool’s perspective, the priority is making sure Van Dijk is fit for the club’s upcoming fixtures.
We should also be careful not to assume the worst. Being ruled unfit for international duty does not automatically mean he faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Until Liverpool provide further information about his condition, there is no reason to jump to conclusions.
Manchester United at Anfield is the big one
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Manchester United at Anfield on November 22.
That is a fixture Van Dijk will desperately want to be involved in.
After the disappointing defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahçe, Liverpool finally got themselves back on track with a 3-1 victory away to Crystal Palace.
The international break now gives Iraola an opportunity to work with the players who remain at the training ground, while hopefully allowing some of those carrying knocks to recover.
Having Van Dijk available for the United game would be a major boost.
We need his leadership, organisation and experience, particularly in a match where the atmosphere and pressure will be enormous.
My verdict: Hopefully this is nothing serious
I don’t think Liverpool supporters will be too disappointed to see Van Dijk miss international duty.
Of course, nobody wants their captain carrying an injury concern, but if he needs time to recover, then staying away from the Netherlands squad is the sensible decision.
Iraola has already expressed his frustration about losing players during international breaks, and this time at least, Van Dijk won’t be travelling or playing for his country.
Liverpool need their captain fit, especially with Manchester United coming to Anfield.
Let’s hope this is simply a precautionary decision, Van Dijk gets the rest he needs and he returns ready to lead Liverpool into the next run of fixtures.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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