The Netherlands are forced to do without midfield star Frenkie de Jong in the European Championship. Something that prompts national team coach Ronald Koeman to direct sharp criticism at how club side Barcelona have managed the injured 27-year-old during the spring.
Frenkie de Jong has a history of injuries, so we have to think about his health. His club (Barcelona) took a risk which we now have to pay for, says Koeman.
It is an ankle injury that keeps de Jong out of the championship.
Koeman – who has previously been both player and coach at Barcelona – says further:
We were very optimistic and really hoped to get de Jong to the last group stage match.
Frenkie de Jong himself writes on his Instagram that he is "sad and disappointed not to be able to play in the European Championship."
Ian Maatsen has been called up to the squad as a replacement.
The Dutch national team later suffered another heavy blow. Atalanta player Teun Koopmeiners, one of Serie A's best midfielders last season, is forced to withdraw due to injury. This is announced by the Dutch Football Association on Tuesday.
In the European Championship group stage, the Netherlands face Poland, Austria, and France.
