- The Netherlands completed its preparations for Euro 2024 with a 4-0 victory over Iceland
- But they travel to Germany without one of their most experienced internationals
- Click here Follow Mail Sport’s Euro 2024 WhatsApp channel for the latest news and updates from Germany
The Netherlands has suffered a hard blow due to injuries a few days before the start of Euro 2024.
Ronald Koeman’s team completed its pre-tournament preparation this Monday by doing what England could not: comfortably defeat Iceland in a friendly.
Xavi Simons, Virgil van Dijk, Donyell Malen and Wout Weghorst scored in a 4-0 win in Rotterdam with just six days left until their first match of the tournament.
However, they were dealt a blow after one of the top stars revealed that he had failed to return to fitness in time for the tournament and will now miss out entirely.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Real Madrid in April.
Frenkie de Jong has confirmed that 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 in El Clásico in April
De Jong was included in Ronald Koeman’s 26-man squad and trained alongside 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 stage match.
Koeman boosted Dutch hopes over the weekend by revealing that De Jong had trained with his international teammates, albeit without any contact.
However, on Monday, the former Manchester United transfer target took to social media to reveal that he would not feature in Germany.
“I am sad and disappointed not to be able to make it to the European Championship.” De Jong wrote on Instagram.
“We’ve been working hard over the last few weeks, but unfortunately my ankle needs more time.
‘It is a dream and a great honor to represent our country in a final phase. Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus and feeling the support of the entire country.
But now, like the entire orange legion, I will cheer on 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.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk showed his support for his international teammate
As part of Group E, the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign will begin on Sunday when they face Poland at the Volksparkstadion.
They will then face pre-tournament favorites France on June 21, before completing the group stage against Austria the following week.
