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Liverpool have received a boost with defender Virgil van Dijk set to return to Merseyside earlier than expected. The Netherlands captain is suspended for the country's Euro 2024 qualifier against Germany on Monday (October 149.
Van Dijk was given his marching orders in the 79th minute in the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Hungary after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. Hungary had taken the lead in the 32nd minute through Roland Sallai.
With the Dutch skipper getting sent off 11 minutes from time, a Hungarian win seemed all but assured. However, defender Denzel Dumfries equalised four minutes later to force a share of the spoils in the League A Group 3 clash.
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The 33-year-old had initially hinted at staying with the national side despite being suspended.
“A day off vs Germany? I am staying with the National Team. I want to be there for the group. This will not change," Van Dijk had said to the press after the match.
However, it has now emerged that Van Dijk won't remain with the squad for the rest of the international break. The Oranje management has decided that it would be best for him to return to Merseyside early.
The news will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans as Arne Slot's side prepare to welcome a resurgent Chelsea at Anfield on October 20.
"It should not have happened" - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk was furious after receiving the red card against Hungary. He took objection to the first yellow card, in particular, which was brandished at him for dissent after his teammate Donyell Malen was fouled when through on goal.
"(The red card) is a bummer, should not have happened. But I'm especially angry about the first," Van Dijk told ESPN Netherlands
"They say the captain is the only one who can talk to the referee. I walk up to him. Up tempo, but not in a nasty way, not at all. Very respectful. Because I felt it was a breakaway player. He did not go for the ball at all. If even the captain cannot say anything, then it gets difficult," the Liverpool cente-back added.
Netherlands face a tough away trip to group leaders Germany without their captain. The Dutch are second in the group, two points behind Germany and three ahead of Hungary.
