Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk says he will not be available for selection for his country at the European Championships but instead he will focus on a Liverpool return this pre-season.
The 29-year-old hasn't played since injuring his anterior cruciate ligaments after a reckless challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in a tempestuous 2-2 draw on October 17 2020.
The Dutch defender underwent surgery in London later that month before flying out to Dubai to undergo a portion of his rehabilitation at the world-renowned Nad al Sheba Sports Complex.
"I feel physically it is the right decision that I've decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab in the off-season," Van Dijk told the club’s official website.
"It's tough, but I'm at peace with it."
The Euros are taking place between 11 June and 11 July, having been delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Van Dijk said that he had not suffered a setback in his rehabilitation and he had "progressed nicely" but, in the latest stage of his recovery, had decided he could not play at this summer's tournament.
"I think the decision to not go is the right decision in the grand scheme of things," added Van Dijk.
"I am very gutted to miss the Euros, to miss the European Championship and leading out my own country there, but things have been like they have and I have to accept it - we all have to accept it.
"I think the decision to not go is the right decision in the grand scheme of things."
Van Dijk's absence for Liverpool, who are sixth in the Premier League as they struggle to secure a Champions League spot, has been compounded by long-term injuries to fellow centre-backs Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
Meanwhile Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will not feature again for the club this campaign. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Hendo’s injury will not heal in time and he might miss the Euros too.
“Hendo doesn't play in the moment and doesn’t train normally with us, so that’s a decision at the end between Gareth and Hendo.
“But I think there’s a chance, for sure – unfortunately not for us, but for England then."
Klopp continued: “Do they need an arm around? Yes, maybe not always literally but, of course, I understand their situation pretty well – not that I would have been even close to a European Championship as a player. But I know what it means if you miss a big personal target, so that's not nice.
The Reds face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday evening hoping to qualify for the Champions League next season. Their chances are however very slim after Leicester City beat Manchester United on Tuesday night to cement third sport in the league table.