Oranje Loses Key Players
Captain Virgil van Dijk and striker Brian Brobbey withdrew from the Netherlands national team due to fitness issues, nos.nl reported.
The Dutch squad prepares for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches without the two players, who picked up injuries during their weekend fixtures in the Premier League. Van Dijk featured for Liverpool, while Brobbey played for Sunderland in their 1-0 win over Chelsea, according to nos.nl.
Xavi Hernández retains 23 players without calling replacements
Head coach Xavi Hernández will not call up replacements for the injured pair, leaving the squad with 23 players, fcupdate.nl reported.
Brobbey previously missed a portion of the international period in October after coming off injured against Germany after just over half an hour.
Hart van Nederland noted that it remains unclear who will take over the captain’s armband from Van Dijk, who has led the side since March 2018. Sport Noa Vahle suggested that the new captain will likely be announced on Thursday, with Frenkie de Jong and Denzel Dumfries among the candidates.
Nations League Standings
The Netherlands shares the top spot in its group with Greece, as both teams hold eight points. Germany follows closely with five points, while Serbia sits at the bottom without any points.
The Dutch team hosts Greece on Friday at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, with kickoff scheduled for 20.45 hours.
Three days later on Monday, November 16, the squad travels to Berlin to face Germany at the Olympiastadion for the final group match. The top two teams in the group advance to the Nations League quarterfinals, which take place in March of next year.
Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey aren’t fit enough to feature in the upcoming Nations League matches. ❌ No replacements will be called up. pic.twitter.com/TB5aTNUcn3
When the Netherlands play Greece and Germany
When do the Netherlands play Greece and Germany?
The Netherlands faces Greece on Friday, November 13, at 20.45 hours in the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The team then plays Germany away on Monday, November 16, at 20.45 hours at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
How many players remain in the Oranje squad?
Following the withdrawals of Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey, head coach Xavi Hernández retains 23 players in the squad and has not called up any replacements.
Where can fans watch the Nations League matches?
The fixtures against Greece and Germany are broadcast live via NOS on television, radio, livestream, and a dedicated liveblog.
Worth a look