Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been urged to forget about going to the European Championships with the Netherlands this summer.
The Reds star is currently battling back from a long-term knee injury suffered in the Merseyside derby back in October, with it currently unlikely he will return before the end of the season.
The Dutchman has made a quicker than expected recovery from the injury but, Liverpool, and particularly manager Jürgen Klopp, are insistent that he take things slow.
That has caused something of a disagreement with the Netherlands, who remain optimistic that Van Dijk will be available to them at this summer’s European Championships.
That would be against Liverpool’s wishes, who are determined to ensure Van Dijk doesn’t push himself too hard in fear of a recurrence or another long-term injury.
One man who doesn’t think he should be rushing himself is former Chelsea man and Netherlands international Boulahrouz, who’s urged his compatriot to focus on his recovery first and foremost.
“I don’t think he should be preoccupied with the European Championships,” he told Ziggo Sport, relayed by Voetbal Primeur.
“He shouldn’t put that pressure on himself. His career lasts longer than the tournament. Sure, such a tournament is great, but he still has many beautiful things to do in his career.
“He first has to go and see: okay, will I be able to get fit in time? And how far along am I when I can get back on the pitch?
“Then he has to see if it’s worth considering. But I wouldn’t be thinking about the European Championships.”
