Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey have withdrawn from the Netherlands squad due to fitness issues, leaving manager Xavi Hernández without two key players ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Germany.
The top two teams from the group will qualify for the play-offs.
Fitness Setbacks Hit Oranje Squad Hard
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced via official channels that both center-back Van Dijk and striker Brobbey are not fit enough to feature, nos.nl reported. The pair picked up their issues during the weekend’s domestic fixtures. Van Dijk played the full ninety minutes for Liverpool in their Premier League visit to Crystal Palace, while Brobbey featured prominently for Sunderland in their win over Chelsea before being substituted after 67 minutes, according to VoetbalPrimeur.
Earlier today during the press conference, Xavi spoke about Brobbey, stating: I have spoken to him and he feels good. He played very well yesterday, it was a big effort. We will know more today about how fit he is.
During the previous international break, Brobbey had started against Germany but was forced off injured after just over half an hour in what was his seventeenth appearance for Oranje.
Despite reporting to the training camp in Zeist, Van Dijk was ultimately deemed unable to play. FCUpdate.nl noted that this represents an early blow for Xavi Hernández as the squad prepares for the final group phase matches.
No Replacements Named for 23-Man Roster
Xavi has opted against calling up any replacement players, leaving the Dutch national team working with a streamlined group of 23 players, nos.nl stated. This contrasts with the previous international break in September, when the Spanish coach actively brought in replacements for players who withdrew with injuries, VoetbalPrimeur pointed out.
The Netherlands currently sits on a shared first place in their Nations League group alongside Greece, both holding eight points from four matches. Germany follows closely behind in third position with five points, keeping the pressure high ahead of the decisive fixtures, Vandaag Inside detailed.
Upcoming Nations League Schedule
The Oranje campaign ends with two matches. The team will face Greece on November 13 at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, followed by an away fixture against Germany on November 16 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, as outlined by FCUpdate.nl. The fixtures can be followed via the NOS liveblog, livestream, television, and radio.
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