Virgil van Dijk withdraws from Netherlands squad due to ‘personal reasons’

Virgil van Dijk has left the Netherlands squad ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Estonia, with the KNVB citing “personal circumstances.”

The 28-year-old captained the Dutch in their 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland on Saturday evening, with the point gained securing qualification to next year’s tournament.

Tuesday night’s clash in Amsterdam cannot be considered a dead rubber, as the Netherlands can still top Group C if other results go their way, but they were still able to celebrate in Belfast.

Gini Wijnaldum was an unused substitute at the weekend after suffering illness earlier in the week, but should feature in midfield against Estonia.

But the Dutch FA have confirmed that Van Dijk has withdrawn from duty due to personal reasons, leaving Ronald Koeman’s squad immediately.

It remains to be seen whether this impacts his involvement for Liverpool on Saturday, but the priority remains Van Dijk’s well-being, not his availability against Crystal Palace.

He becomes the latest player to pull out of this month’s internationals, with Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah and Caoimhin Kelleher all absent due to illness and injury.

The majority of Klopp’s first-team squad will be back at Melwood by midweek, with Wijnaldum, Divock Origi, Rhian Brewster and Sepp van den Berg the last in action on Tuesday.

Preparations will the begin for the trip to Selhurst Park, with Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and seeking their 12th win in 13 games.

If Van Dijk is unavailable, Klopp will hope to call upon Joel Matip, who is expected back after injury, but Gomez should also be an option to partner Dejan Lovren if required.