Virgil van Dijk remains in contention to feature in this summer’s UEFA European Championships as the defensive colossus works his way to full fitness from an ACL layoff, according to Holland national team gaffer Frank de Boer.
The Liverpool FC defender has not turned out on the pitch since suffering a season-ending injury in October last year during the Merseyside derby clash. Klopp had previously said that his star defender was on course to stage a return to the first-team fold on Merseyside in time for the 2021-22 season
Reports had suggested that despite the wishes of the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, Van Dijk was pushing for a return to action in the upcoming weeks with the defender being keen on featuring for the Oranje in the UEFA Euros.
According to TeamTalk, De Boer claimed in his recent press conference that the Holland international team skipper was just eight weeks away from his full recovery, adding that should the player be able to feature earlier than expected, it would come as a bonus to both his club and country.
“We know he has eight weeks left. I don’t know if that’s enough,” said De Boer.
“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.”
“Anything he can contribute to Liverpool and possibly us would be a bonus. I’m not counting on him right now.”
“But if he did [make it], it would be fantastic for the selection.”
“We will see. I’m not putting any pressure on him at all. He must do it himself and must have confidence in it himself. The choice mainly lies with him.
