Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong have been released from international duty ahead of the Netherlands’ final Nations League group match against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Head coach Ronald Koeman confirmed the decision on medical grounds, emphasising that the players’ wellbeing took precedence.
Koeman will not call up replacements for the duo but will work with the 23 players already available for Tuesday’s Group A3 clash in Zenica.
The Dutch head into the game having secured second place in the group and a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hungary in Amsterdam on Saturday.
Van Dijk featured for the full 90 minutes in that match, while De Jong was substituted after 68 minutes.
The Barcelona midfielder was making his first appearance for the national team in over a year, having struggled with an ankle injury that kept him out of the European Championship earlier this year.
Speaking after the Hungary game, De Jong admitted he needed more time to regain his best form but received positive feedback for his performance.
His return marked an important step in his recovery, although the decision to release him early highlights the careful management of his fitness.
For Liverpool fans, Van Dijk’s early return provides some relief as the Reds prepare for a demanding schedule.
After their Premier League match against Southampton, Liverpool face a challenging run of fixtures that includes clashes with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Everton.
The Netherlands will aim to close their group campaign on a high despite being without two key players.
With a quarter-final spot already secured, Koeman’s side can approach the clash against Bosnia & Herzegovina with confidence, even in the absence of their influential stars.
As both players head back to their clubs for recovery, their availability for key fixtures in the coming weeks will be closely monitored, with Liverpool and Barcelona relying heavily on their contributions.
