Netherlands manager Frank de Boer has admitted that he does not expect Virgil van Dijk to take to the field again in the 2020-21 campaign.
The Liverpool centre-back has been sidelined since tearing his ACL after being victim of a horror challenge by Jordan Pickford in October's Merseyside derby, and he is joined by Joe Gomez and Joel Matip on the long-term absentee list.
Van Dijk's recovery videos have led to optimism among supporters that he could return before the season is over, but De Boer has now expressed doubt over his involvement at this summer's European Championships.
Speaking to the media ahead of Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Turkey, De Boer said: "I can understand they (Liverpool) don't want to put any pressure on Virgil at all and neither do we.
"His recovery is going according to plan. We know he has eight weeks left. I don't know if that's enough for him to be ready for the Euros.
"I have spoken to him, he'll soon be returning to training, but there can be all kinds of setbacks. A week or two of setbacks could mean he cannot play any games for Liverpool still this season.
"Anything he can contribute to Liverpool and possibly us would be a bonus. I'm not counting on it right now. But if it did happen, it would be fantastic for the national team."
A Van Dijk-less Liverpool have struggled to maintain a title charge amid a plethora of other defensive injuries, and the Netherlands' chances of success in Europe would be severely hampered if the 29-year-old is not deemed ready for action this summer.
Ben Knapton
