World Cup Qualifiers: Virgil Van Dijk returns as Van Gaal names 25-man Netherlands squad

Tottenham's Steven Bergwijn also earned a call-up alongside Van Dijk who returned after a long-standing injury.

FILE PHOTO: Louis van Gaal, who led Netherlands to the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, replaced Frank de Boer, who quit his team was eliminated from the European Championship in the round of 16.

New Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal announced his 25-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers, with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk returning after a long-term knee injury.

He also recalled Steven Bergwijn to his squad Friday for three World Cup qualifiers after the Tottenham winger's strong start to the Premier League season.

Bergwijn, who has scored one goal in 12 appearances for his country, has been a prominent part of Tottenham's successful start this month.

He was credited with an assist on Son Heung-min's goal in the 1-0 victory over defending champion Manchester City in their season opener.

 

The Netherlands, a three-time World Cup finalist that has never won the trophy, plays Norway in Oslo next Wednesday before hosting two games: Montenegro in Eindhoven on September 4 and Turkey in Amsterdam on September 7.

The Netherlands is currently one point behind Group G leader Turkey.

Van Gaal also called up two uncapped defenders — Tyrell Malacia of Feyenoord and Devyne Rensch of Ajax.

The match against Norway will be the first in charge for Van Gaal, who came out of retirement to take charge of the Dutch national team for the third time.

He led the Netherlands to the semifinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

READ MORE: World Cup Qualifiers: Belgium resists overhaul of ageing squad after Euro 2020 disappointment

Van Gaal replaced Frank de Boer, who quit after the Netherlands was eliminated from the European Championship in the round of 16 by the Czech Republic.

The Squad: Goalkeepers Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Tim Krul (Norwich), Joël Drommel, (PSV Eindhoven) Defenders Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus), Tyrell Malacia (Feyenoord), Devyne Rensch (Ajax), Jurriën Timber (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan) Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Guus Til (Feyenoord), Georginio Wijnaldum (Paris Saint-Germain) Forwards Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Steven Bergwijn (Tottenham), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund), Wout Weghorst (Wolfsburg)