The defender will miss the meetings with Greece and Germany, dealing a significant blow to head coach Xavi Hernandez as the Dutch prepare to complete their group campaign.
The Netherlands are scheduled to host Greece on Friday before travelling to Berlin to face Germany on Monday, November 16. The Dutch football association confirmed that Van Dijk and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey would both be unavailable after failing to recover sufficiently from their respective club commitments.
“Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey aren’t fit enough to feature in the upcoming Nations League matches,” the federation said in a statement. “No replacements will be called up.”
The decision means the Netherlands will continue with a 23-man squad rather than bringing in additional players to cover the two absences.
Van Dijk had been a regular presence for Liverpool throughout the season. He had played every minute of the club’s Premier League campaign and also started three of their four Champions League fixtures, as well as the recent Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea.
The 35-year-old had appeared to be coping with a demanding schedule, completing the full 90 minutes in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory away to Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, his withdrawal from international duty means the club will now be monitoring his condition during the break.
His absence is particularly notable given the importance of the upcoming fixtures for the Netherlands. They remain among the leading sides in their Nations League group and will be looking to finish the campaign strongly against Greece and Germany.
Brobbey’s withdrawal also leaves Hernandez without another attacking option. The Sunderland forward had been involved in his club’s recent Premier League action, but the federation confirmed that he was not sufficiently fit to take part in the international matches.
Liverpool will hope Van Dijk is available again when domestic football resumes. Their next fixture is a home meeting with Manchester United on Sunday, November 22, giving the defender time to recover before the return to club action.
The club will also be keeping a close eye on midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who was forced off against Crystal Palace with a knee problem and subsequently underwent tests after joining up with the Hungary squad.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola had already expressed concern about the possibility of further injuries during the international break, having seen several players return from previous national-team commitments with fitness problems.
Van Dijk’s withdrawal will therefore be a concern for both club and country, although the Dutch federation has not provided further details about the nature or severity of his fitness issue.