Netherlands boss casts doubt on Van Dijk's availability for Euros

Having ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the center-back has been forced to miss the majority of 2020/21.

Virgil van Dijk is unlikely to be fit for the upcoming European Championship, says Frank De Boer.

Five months have passed since Van Dijk’s last made an appearance, which came in Liverpool’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton back on October 17.

The defender was left in need of surgery following a rash challenge by Jordan Pickford that saw him leave the pitch just 11 minutes into the Merseyside derby.

He got back into the gym in December and was able to resume individual training last month, but it remains unlikely for the 29-year-old to play for Liverpool again this season.

In what comes as a blow for the Netherlands, Van Dijk is also a major doubt for the rescheduled Euros.

“We know he has eight weeks left. I don’t know if that’s enough,” said De Boer, via Goal. “I have spoken to him, he is back on the field. There can always be setbacks.

“A week or two of setbacks could mean he can’t play games for Liverpool [this season]. Then I can imagine that they say: ‘Nice and nice, but you just focus on next season’.

“Ultimately, he must have a good feeling himself. I’m glad he’s on the right track.”