Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, has shed light on why Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was sent back home from the national team camp ahead of their Nations League clash against Bosnia. This move comes as a significant boost for Liverpool as they prepare to navigate through the busiest period of the season.
The 33-year-old defender played a full 90 minutes during a 4-0 win over Hungary last week. The match saw goals from his club teammate Cody Gakpo and former Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst. Despite this impressive performance, Van Dijk has been confirmed to be returning to Merseyside as a precautionary measure.
Fitness precautions taken by Koeman
Koeman revealed during his pre-match press conference that both Van Dijk and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong were sent home from training camp. This decision was made in order to preserve their fitness amid what has already been an intense season for both players.
Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, said:
"For both Frenkie and Virgil it is better for them to leave the training camp at this moment. That decision was taken on medical grounds, with of course the interest of the players coming first."
"The schedule of Virgil van Dijk is very busy and he is a player who plays every game, so I decided to send him back to Liverpool."
The Rationale behind the decision
The upcoming Nations League match against Bosnia is considered relatively inconsequential for Koeman's team since they cannot finish top of their group due to Germany’s five-point lead. Given this context, it seems prudent not to risk key players' fitness in such matches.
Player schedules have become a hot topic recently with several players voicing concerns about them. Alisson Becker, another player from Liverpool, is one of the most high-profile names who have spoken out about this issue. Van Dijk's fitness will continue being scrutinized given his past history with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. However, it appears that he is not currently carrying any major injuries and should be available for Sunday’s clash against his former side Southampton.
This news comes as a major boost for Liverpool, who are set to head into the busiest period of the season. They aim to consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League table and having their skipper back in good health is certainly advantageous. Koeman's decision to send Van Dijk back home seems like a strategic move that prioritizes player fitness over short-term gains. This approach could potentially pay dividends for both Netherlands and Liverpool in their upcoming matches.
