
Virgil van Dijk has also been relieved of international duty following a double yellow against Hungary. This news comes just after Mohamed Salah’s early return to Liverpool from his international duty.
The Netherlands played Hungary in the Nations League group stages, and Oranje drew 1-1 away from home. Van Dijk was red in the 79th minute following a second yellow.
This was the Dutchman’s first international sending-off. The Dutch captain won’t be with the Oranje to see out the international break.
VVD had decided to stay to support his fellow teammates during the upcoming fixture. However, later, a decision was made that the defender would return to Liverpool for some rest before the upcoming fixtures with the Reds.
The coming weeks are going to be busy and Arne Slot would want his players to rest up before going all out to maintain their spot at the top of the table.
I wanted to stay with the team to give the lads my support, but now I have decided it is better to go home. With all the matches we have coming, I fully understand that the club thinks it is a good moment to get some rest.
-Virgil van Dijk
Upcoming fixtures with Liverpool and player availability

Mohamed Salah is also set for an early return from Africa
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.
-Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch captain agreed to rest despite his willingness to stay to support his countrymen. However, it would be best that the Dutchman rests and recovers before the Premier League returns.
Liverpool will be playing four matches in under two weeks upon return. Two Premier League fixtures against title contenders Chelsea and Arsenal and a UEFA Champions League fixture against RB Leipzig away in between.
These three will be followed by an EFL Cup fixture against Brighton at the end of the month. Players will already be taxed by the international break which will be followed by a packed club-football schedule.
Alisson is injured and Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to replace the Brazilian in goal. Mohamed Salah’s return has given Arne Slot a sense of relief as backup Federico Chiesa’s return is uncertain.
Alexis Mac Allister is still on the sidelines for Argentina and no news is expected until the press conference before the Chelsea clash. Luis Díaz might barely make it following exhausting clashes with Colombia and a long trip back to Liverpool.
