VI Discussion: Netherlands defence against Greece

Van Dijk ruled out for November internationals; Xavi must reshape defence for Greece and Germany fixtures without his captain and centre-back.

Virgil van Dijk reported to the Dutch national team training base in Zeist on Monday but was ruled out the same day for the November international window. The Netherlands captain and centre-back will miss matches against Greece and Germany in the Nations League.

Van Dijk, who reached his 100th cap in the previous international break, joins striker Brian Brobbey in withdrawing from the squad. Manager Xavi Hernández opted not to call up replacements, leaving a relatively small squad of 23 players.

With Van Dijk absent, Xavi has options including Denzel Dumfries, Lutsharel Geertruida, Jan Paul van Hecke, Ian Maatsen, Jurriën Timber and Micky van de Ven. Xavi has shown flexibility in defence, previously using Frenkie de Jong as a centre-back at Barcelona and deploying midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in a back role during the 2-1 win over Serbia last month.

Timber, now fully fit after recent injury, played two full 90-minute matches for Arsenal in the Premier League before joining the squad.