Virgil van Dijk’s Southampton team-mates will decide whether the wantaway defender should lose captaincy

WANTAWAY Southampton star Virgil van Dijk’s team-mates will decide if he loses the captaincy.

The Dutch centre-back is pushing for a return to action at Crystal Palace tomorrow following his failed attempts to force a move to Liverpool.

PA:Press Association

Getty - Contributor

Boss Mauricio Pellegrino said: “The captain is something the team may decide. You have to deserve it.

“You cannot make the captain someone who is not playing but obviously Virgil was one of the leaders of the squad.”

Van Dijk has not played in the first team since hurting his ankle in January, which ruled him out of last season’s EFL Cup final.

He was made to train alone after slapping in a transfer request and accusing Saints of disrespecting him by blocking the switch to Anfield.

Midfielder Steven Davis has been leading the side.

Asked if Van Dijk will be available tomorrow, Pellegrino added: “Virgil was training well and played 90 minutes in a reserve game. Tomorrow we will decide.

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

“Hopefully he will be getting better every single week. I am happy with that because everybody, not just Virgil, is ready right now to be part of the team.”

The centre back endured a nightmare comeback as Saints under-23s were thrashed 4-0 by Aston Villa on Monday.

During van Dijk’s exile Saints have won only one of their first four games and were beaten 2-0 at home by Watford last weekend.

Pellegrino has told his players they must raise their game, saying: “To compete at this level you have to give a minimum and the base line is higher. We have to improve.”