Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made the decision to leave the Netherlands squad and return to Merseyside following his red card on international duty ahead of fixtures against and .
The centre-back was sent off for the first time for his country during a 1-1 draw with Hungary in the Nations League on Friday night.
Despite being banned from the Netherlands' next match against Germany, Van Dijk initially expressed his desire to stay with the team out of solidarity. However, he has now chosen to take a break before Liverpool return to action next weekend.
travel to Anfield to face Liverpool next Sunday in the Premier League. are also set to face the Merseyside club the following week on October 27.
Van Dijk explained why he decided to return to England rather than remain with his international teammates ahead of the return of Premier League football next week.
“I wanted to stay with the team to give the lads my support, but now I have decided it is better to go home," said Van Dijk in an interview with Dutch reporters on Friday.
READ MORE:
READ MORE:
"A lot has been said about the massive pile of matches we are playing in this period and all the travelling. This is a good moment to get some rest."
Van Dijk added: “With all the matches we have coming, I fully understand that the club thinks it is a good moment to get some rest.”
Mohamed Salah has also been released from international duty early due to concerns over the pitch for Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Mauritania. He will also get a full week's rest ahead of the clash against Chelsea next weekend.
Chelsea and Arsenal both have players on international duty, with both clubs hoping they all return free from injury when Premier league football returns.
For the Gunners, Kai Havertz withdrew from the Germany squad with a knee issue. Bukayo Saka also emerged as an injury concern after withdrawing from the England squad after suffering a potential injury in the defeat to Greece in the Nations League on Thursday.
