Van Dijk and Brobbey Out of Netherlands Squad for Nations League Clashes Against Greece and Germany

The Netherlands national team will face its final UEFA Nations League group stage matches without captain Virgil van Dijk and forward Brian Brobbey.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed on Monday that both players have been withdrawn from the squad due to fitness concerns following their most recent club appearances.

The absence of the Liverpool defender and the Sunderland striker will change Xavi Hernandez's tactics for the final two UEFA Nations League group stage matches. With no replacements called up, the Dutch squad will proceed with 23 players for the upcoming fixtures against Greece and Germany, as reported by Goal.

Defensive impact at Liverpool and beyond

Virgil van Dijk’s withdrawal comes despite his full 90-minute performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday. According to the Pontianak Post, citing reporting from The Athletic, the 35-year-old defender has been managing a minor injury for several weeks. The KNVB decision appears to be a preventative measure to avoid further aggravating the condition during the international break.

The loss is felt acutely, as Van Dijk recently reached the milestone of 100 international caps during the team’s 2-1 victory over Serbia in October. His leadership and defensive presence have been central to the team’s structure under Xavi, with the veteran defender having started 14 of Liverpool’s 15 matches across all competitions this season.

Brobbey sidelined after Sunderland appearance

Brian Brobbey’s exit from the squad follows his participation in Sunderland’s 1-0 win over Chelsea. While the 24-year-old forward played 67 minutes before leaving the pitch, the KNVB determined he was not fit enough to continue with national team duties. This continues a difficult run for the striker, who was also sidelined by injury during the September international window after starting against Germany.

Squad adjustments for Greece and Germany

Xavi has opted against drafting additional players to the 23-man roster. This decision leaves notable names like Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst—who were not part of the original squad announcement on November 6—out of the current training camp, as noted by ANTARA News Kalteng.

The Netherlands will host Greece at the Johan Cruyff ArenA in Amsterdam on November 13. Following that match, the team is scheduled to travel to Berlin for a final group stage encounter against Germany on November 16.

Remaining questions for the Dutch squad

While the KNVB has confirmed they are not fit for the current international window, the long-term impact on their respective club campaigns is unknown. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has not yet provided a detailed timeline for Van Dijk’s return to full training, leaving his availability for the upcoming Premier League match against Manchester United as a point of uncertainty for the Anfield club.

More on this story: Xavi Hernández names Frenkie de Jong in Netherlands squad · Netherlands squad leaves out Marseille goalkeeper Jeffrey de Lange

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