Virgil van Dijk injury: Liverpool dealt new fitness scare ahead of Manchester United showdown

The Liverpool captain had been called up by new Dutch head coach Xavi for the Nations League double-header against Greece and Germany, but it was confirmed on Monday that he - and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey - have pulled out of the squad.A statement reads: “Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey have been dropped from the Dutch national team's upcoming international matches. Both players did not return fit from the past weekend's matches and are therefore unavailable.“The squad thus currently consists of 23 players.”Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola will be hopeful that Van Dijk’s fitness issue is not too serious as his side’s first game after the November international break is against Man United at Anfield a week on Sunday.The 35-year-old has continued to be a regular for Liverpool this season, missing just one game so far and starting 14 of his 15 appearances across all competitions.Virgil van Dijk has withdrawn from the Netherlands squadGettyVan Dijk is not the only Liverpool star not going away for international duty this month after Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti opted against selecting Alisson Becker for their upcoming friendlies against Japan and Singapore.Ancelotti said: “We don’t need to test Alisson, we know him very well. He is the best goalkeeper. When the Copa America begins, he will be called up, and it’s the same for the others [experienced players].“Right now, it’s time to observe, refresh the squad, and help young players reach their full potential.”