Frank Christian
The Netherlands wrapped up their Group D fixtures at Euro 2024 facing Austria, already assured of a place in the knockout phase.
Their journey began with a narrow win against Poland, with Ronald Koeman’s squad making a comeback from an early goal to secure a 2-1 victory.
Despite a 0-0 draw with France, they progressed to the Round of 16 and eventually suffered a 3-2 defeat to Austria but still made it to the next stage of the tournament.
After defeating Romania and Turkey in the knockout rounds, the Netherlands will now face England in the semi-finals with hopes of reaching the final.
Their impressive run has been achieved without one of their key players, Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong has been a crucial player for the Netherlands since his emergence from Ajax, earning 54 international caps since his debut in September 2018.
However, the 27-year-old Barcelona star has been missing from the squad as they aim for success in Germany.
The absence of Frenkie de Jong and the reasons for his exclusion from Euro 2024
De Jong’s season in 2023/24 was marred by injuries, limiting his LaLiga appearances with Barcelona to just 20.
His last competitive game was in Barcelona’s Clasico defeat to Real Madrid in April, where he suffered his third ankle injury of the season.
Although he was initially included in the provisional squad for Euro 2024 and played in a warm-up game against Iceland, he had to leave the camp due to his fitness issues.
Koeman stated, “He won’t be fit enough to play at this level for the next three weeks,” revealing the decision to let him recover.
Tests conducted on De Jong’s ankle by the Dutch FA indicated that it was not sufficiently healed for him to participate at the tournament.
Injuries affecting the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024
De Jong’s absence is compounded by the absence of other senior midfielders in Koeman’s squad.
Maarten de Roon suffered a muscle injury during Atalanta’s Coppa Italia final and missed out on Euro 2024 as a result.
In a warm-up game before the tournament, Teun Koopmeiners also sustained a groin injury, ruling him out of participation.
Replacement for Frenkie de Jong in the Netherlands squad
AC Milan midfielder Tijani Reijnders has taken on De Jong’s role in the Dutch starting lineup and made an impression in the matches.
Reijnders played a significant part in the victory over Poland and faced France with confidence, filling De Jong’s position effectively.
His performance has been notable, and despite other changes in midfield, Reijnders has been a consistent presence in the Dutch squad during Euro 2024.
