Virgil van Dijk Misses Friendly As Rib Injury Continues To Be Monitored

The international break remains an excellent source of not-great news.

It’s been an open secret that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been playing through a rib injury. The 27-year-old was forced to exit the Reds’ match against Southampton when he appeared to have aggravated the issue and could not continue, but has since featured for Jürgen Klopp’s side in matches against Chelsea, Napoli, and Manchester City.

Van Dijk left his mark during Holland’s most recent friendly against Germany, scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 victory over the DFB’s side. However, following the match, it was decided that the defender would not travel to Belgium for his country’s next Nations League fixture, and instead Van Dijk will return to Liverpool where the rib injury will continue to be assessed.

According to reports, the Dutch football association has confirmed the decision, stating that “after consultation, it was decided to use the player only for the game against Germany.”

Van Dijk will join Mohamed Salah as another prominent Liverpool player who will return early from international duty due to health concerns, as the Reds’ trip to Huddersfield is on the horizon.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com