The 33-year-old is due to join up with Egypt after marking his return to the squad with the assist for Hugo Ektike’s second goal in the 2-0 win over Brighton and could miss seven league matches if they reach the final.

But while he is away, the club will continue discussions with his representatives in an attempt to iron out issues which led to his explosive outburst last weekend when he suggested his immediate future may lie elsewhere after being a substitute for three successive matches.

Van Dijk spoke to his long-time team-mate after that and throughout the week after Salah was omitted from the Champions League trip to Inter Milan.

“I speak to him about everything. I told him I want him to stay,” said Van Dijk.

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