Netherlands suffer huge blow on the eve of Euro 2024 as one of their top stars is forced to pull out with injury
- The Netherlands completed their preparations for the 2024 European Championship with a 4-0 victory over Iceland
- But they travel to Germany without one of their most experienced internationals
- click here to follow the Mail Sport Euro 2024 WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and updates from Germany
The Netherlands suffered a huge injury a few days before the start of the 2024 European Championship.
Ronald Koeman’s side completed their pre-tournament warm-up on Monday by doing what England failed to do and comfortably beating Iceland in a friendly.
Xavi Simons, Virgil van Dijk, Donyell Malen and Wout Weghorst scored in a 4-0 win in Rotterdam with their tournament opener just six days away.
However, they have been dealt a crushing blow after a top star revealed he could not get back to fitness in time for the tournament and will now miss out completely.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Real Madrid in April.
Frenkie de Jong has confirmed he will miss Euro 2024 after failing to recover from an injury in time for the tournament
The midfielder has not played since suffering an ankle injury at El Classico in April
De Jong was included in Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad and trained with his teammates on Sunday
Despite the setback, the 27-year-old was still included in Koeman’s final 26-man squad last week, with the manager hoping the midfielder could return in time for their final group match.
Koeman boosted Dutch hopes this weekend by revealing that De Jong had trained with his international teammates, albeit without any contact.
However, on Monday, the one-time Manchester United transfer target announced via social media that he would not feature in Germany.
‘I’m sad and disappointed that I won’t make it to the European Championships.’ De Jong writes this on Instagram.
‘We have done a lot in recent weeks, but unfortunately my ankle needs more time.
‘It is a dream and the greatest honor to represent our country at a final tournament. Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus and feeling the support of the entire country.
‘But now I, like the entire orange legion, will cheer our team from the sidelines. Let’s go guys.’
But he revealed in a social media post that he is not ready and will not be part of the squad in Germany
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk showed his support for his international teammate
As part of Group E, the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign kicks off on Sunday when they take on Poland at the Volkspark Stadium.
They will then take on pre-tournament favorites France on June 21, before completing the group stage against Austria the following week.
