Euro 2024

Dutch call up Maatsen as De Jong, Koopmeiners out

Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of this summer's European Championship through injury.

Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of this summer’s European Championship through injury.

De Jong, 27, played just three times for his club after suffering an ankle injury in March.

He was included in Ronald Koeman’s Euro 2024 squad despite struggling with his recovery, but has been forced to pull out of the tournament.

On Tuesday, Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners was also ruled out after injuring himself in the warm-up before the Netherlands’ 4-0 friendly win against Iceland on Monday evening.

The 26-year-old, who has 21 caps, played 51 games for Atalanta last season as they won the Europa League and finished fourth in Serie A.

Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, 22, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, has been added to the Dutch squad and was travelling to join them in Wolfsburg.

The Netherlands begin their Euros campaign on Sunday when they play Poland in Group D at 14:00 BST, while they also face France and Austria in the group stage.

De Jong has played 54 times for his country, scoring twice.

 

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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Abdul Noah Ocholi
2 years ago

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