The Dutch FA announced the midfielder's withdrawal after he experienced back pain and exited Friday's 7-0 victory against Greece at halftime. Having captained the side in place of Virgil van Dijk, he chose not to take unnecessary risks with the issue. Netherlands currently lead Group A2 with 11 points, sitting three points clear of both Germany and Greece. A top-two finish in the group will officially send the squad through to the quarter-finals.
Key points
The Netherlands must navigate Monday's Nations League group decider against Germany witho…: The Netherlands must navigate Monday's Nations League group decider against Germany without their stand-in captain.
Advancing to the March quarter-finals requires the Dutch side to maintain a top-two posit…: Advancing to the March quarter-finals requires the Dutch side to maintain a top-two position in the group standings.
The national team will conclude their group stage campaign with a reduced roster after op…: The national team will conclude their group stage campaign with a reduced roster after opting against calling in reinforcement players.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
AMSTERDAM, Nov 14 : Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s injury woes continued after he was ruled out of Monday’s Nations League group decider against Germany in Berlin, the Dutch FA said on Saturday.
• The 29-year-old Barcelona player has a long list of injury problem, which has restricted his international appearances
• He missed September’s opening four matches at the start of the new Nations League campaign but returned for Friday’s home clash against Greece in Amsterdam
• De Jong was named captain, replacing the injured Virgil van Dijk, but substituted at halftime of the 7-0 victory, saying he had back pain and did not want to take unnecessary risks.
• Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez will not call up a replacement for De Jong, meaning the squad for Berlin will consist of 23 players, the Dutch FA added
• The Netherlands, with 11 points, top Group A2 ahead of Greece and Germany (eight points each). The top two teams advance to the quarter-finals in March
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ken Ferris)
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