Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has shed further light on why Virgil van Dijk left the squad early to return to Liverpool.
Van Dijk featured in his side's 4-0 win over Hungary in the Nations League on Saturday, which earned the Dutch a second placed finish in their group behind Germany. However, Van Dijk will not play against Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight after he was one of two players released from the squad.
It was announced on Monday that Van Dijk and Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong had been allowed to go back to their clubs, with Koeman stating that the decision had been made "on medical grounds".
"For both Frenkie and Virgil it is better for them to leave the training camp at this moment," he said. "That decision was taken on medical grounds, with of course the interest of the players coming first."
Koeman has now explained that Van Dijk is dealing with "some minor complaints" that he had heading into international break and the defender will be assessed by Liverpool ahead of their Premier League clash with Southampton on Sunday.
"Virgil had some minor complaints, he already had that last week," Koeman said. "He trained separately last week until Wednesday. Also considering the schedule that these types of players have to complete - he always plays everything. That is why we decided to send him back to the club."
Van Dijk has remained a key player under new boss Arne Slot this season, with the Dutchman featuring in every Premier League and Champions League game so far. And the 33-year-old recently admitted Slot has been a "breath of fresh air" following Jurgen Klopp's seven years in charge.
"With the new coach Arne Slot, slightly different things are being asked," Van Dijk told Voetbal International. "Not only from me, but also from the other players. I have a very prominent role in that and I like that.
"And I think the coach is very happy with that. It's not easy. On the other hand, Slot has provided a breath of fresh air. He tackles things in his own way and where I can help him, I do so. The coach inherited a very good team.
"We must not forget that last season we were fighting for the title with Arsenal and Manchester City until five games before the end. Slot is a very good manager."
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