Why Virgil van Dijk was released early from international duty

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has said it "makes sense" for Virgil van Dijk to leave the national team early and report back to Liverpool.

Van Dijk was sent off in his country's 1-1 draw with Hungary on Friday - his first dismissal at international level - and hasn't stayed with the squad for their follow game against Germany despite indicating a desire to do so.

The Liverpool captain talked his way into a yellow card after protesting to the referee about a foul on teammate Donyell Malen, before committing a foul just moments later for a second booking.

Koeman has confirmed that Van Dijk, who also captains his country, initially wanted to remain with the group, despite getting a one-game ban. But, ultimately, the decision was taken that it would be better for him, amid an intense football calendar, to return to England for some rest.

"He was a bit too quick with answers," Koeman said of Van Dijk's public desire to stay with the national team.

"The fact that he wanted to stay with the group is of course a great attitude, but if you look at the matches that players play these days, it makes sense to send him home. So that is what we as staff have decided."

Van Dijk himself made similar comments and suggested Liverpool also had an input.

"I wanted to stay with the team to give the lads my support, but now I have decided it is better to go home," he told the Dutch media. "A lot has been said about the massive pile of matches we are playing in this period and all the travelling. With all the matches we have coming, I fully understand that the club thinks it is a good moment to get some rest."

Liverpool are back in action on Sunday 20 October when in-form Chelsea visit Anfield. A week later, they face Premier League title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, with a Champions League trip to Germany for an RB Leipzig clash squeezed in the middle.

Then there are back-to-back meetings with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup and Premier League, with Aston Villa, Southampton and Real Madrid, as well as another international break, all on the schedule before the end of November. December begins with Manchester City at Anfield.

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