Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk playing with two broken ribs, says Ronald Koeman

Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool defender, has played with two broken ribs for several weeks, according to the Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman.

The 27-year-old completed 90 minutes and scored in Saturday’s 3-0 Nations League victory over Germany but will play no part in their friendly against Belgium on Tuesday night.

Koeman revealed an agreement was reached with Liverpool’s medical staff that Van Dijk would play through the pain barrier once before returning to Merseyside.

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“Virgil has played with two broken ribs in the last weeks,” he said. “He wanted to play against Germany but you have to give the club something back now.

“He’s back to Liverpool and he’s ready to play for next week. He takes a rest. He spoke to the manager [Jurgen Klopp].

“The medical staff of the Dutch national team spoke to the medical staff of Liverpool and made the decision that he was playing only the Germany game and then after back to Liverpool.”

Van Dijk’s rib issue was known prior to his international call-up, having sustained the problem in Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain last month, though the extent of the injury was unclear.

The Dutch international is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s trip to Huddersfield Town on Saturday, with Koeman additionally claiming: “He is ready to play next weekend.”

Liverpool are also waiting on the fitness of Sadio Mané, who suffered a thumb injury on duty with Senegal, and Mohamed Salah, who picked up a muscle problem in Egypt’s win over Swaziland.

James Milner, who was substituted in the goalless draw with Manchester City before the international break, is Klopp’s other doubt for the trip to Huddersfield.