Netherlands boss Frank de Boer remains optimistic that he will be able to name Virgil van Dijk in his squad for this summer's European Championships.
Van Dijk has been sidelined since suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage against Everton at Goodison Park in October.
However, the centre-back posted a video earlier this month of him sprinting at Liverpool's training ground raising hopes he could be available for his country next month.
And De Boer, who will name his preliminary squad on Friday before confirming his 26-man party at the end of May, is leaving the door wide open for Van Dijk to be included.
Advert
"I think he has to decide, it is his career," De Boer told ESPN's Good Morning Eredivisie show via Football-Oranje.
"I can imagine that he is in a dilemma. Can I mean something for Orange? I hope he has made giant steps in his rehabilitation."
The Dutch are paired with Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia at the Euros.
But, speaking earlier this month, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp cast doubt over Van Dijk featuring at the tournament.
Advert
Klopp said: "I don't want to hold him back, but you cannot force it as well.
"If you want to play in a tournament, you have to train beforehand, proper football training - and not a week before but weeks before.
"You can't after 10 or 11 months out train a week and then play football, that is just not possible. It should not be possible.
"Nobody is holding him back, I can promise all the people in Holland that. But you can't force it, and we will not."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Netherlands, Virgil Van Dijk, Euros