The world-class defender confirmed via Liverpool's official website that he will not be participating in this summer's tournament.

Liverpool superstar Virgil Van Dijk has offered a positive update on his recovery, assuring fans of the Merseyside giants that he will be fit and ready to go for the upcoming 2021/22 campaign. However, the world-class center-back also dropped a bombshell, revealing that he will not be available for the upcoming Euros.

The 29-year-old "has taken the difficult decision to not be available for selection for the Netherlands at this summer's European Championships", Liverpool explained via their official website. Given the seriousness of his injury, and the length of his absence, the player opted for "adopting a longer-term outlook".

The Dutch center-back, regarded by many as the best defender in world football, suffered a serious knee injury back in October, thus undergoing surgery, and has been out for the subsequent seven months.

There had been hopes of a return for the final few games of Liverpool's 2020/21 campaign but that has not come to fruition. As a result, the former Celtic and Southampton ace has chosen to prioritize returning stronger in the upcoming pre-season rather than rushing his return for Euro 2020, which is set to be staged this summer.

"I'm actually quite good; I'm feeling positive and full of energy and I'm obviously working very hard," Van Dijk told Liverpool's official website when asked how he is doing. "It's been a very, very tough journey so far, but I am in a good place right now and I'm progressing nicely"

"As you say, seven months ago I got injured and it's been a very, very long road," the 29-year-old went on to add. "I had to take it step by step, as I have done. Things have been going well, I've not had a real setback or anything, I've just progressed nicely. 

"In this latest stage for myself, I have come to a decision that I had to make: would I be involved in the Euros, yes or no? With everything that is going on, 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 during the off-season. 

"So, the full focus will be on pre-season with the club and that's a realistic goal, so I am looking forward to that. Obviously 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. It's tough, but I'm at peace with it."

This will be a huge blow for the Netherlands, Van Dijk's national team. La Oranje will have to do battle with Ukraine, Austria, and North Macedonia in Group C in the absence of their superstar as they aim to end their 33-year trophy-less run in Europe's premier continental competition.