Netherlands squad for November international break; Virgil van Dijk to lead from the back

The Oranje will face Hungary and Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Nations League games.

During Barcelona’s 1-0 loss against Real Sociedad, Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong was substituted out at halftime, apparently suffering from a knee injury following a collision with an opponent. It rekindled concerns about a possible injury problem after being sidelined for five months this year.

Tests this morning, however, seem to have cleared De Jong of any injuries. Adria Albets claims that the Dutchman simply had a knock to his shin, but Sport claims that he was removed from the game on Sunday night as a precaution.

Memphis Depay, a striker for his new Brazilian club Corinthians who has struck twice in the past two months, will not be returning. Euro 2024 was the last time the 30-year-old played.

Nathan Ake, a defender for Manchester City, has also been left off the roster even though he returned to full fitness last month.

Devyne Rensch and Noa Lang, a winger for PSV Eindhoven, will be back in the Netherlands lineup for the November 16 game against Hungary in Amsterdam and Bosnia-Herzegovina, three days later.

This is the first time manager Ronald Koeman has chosen Rensch, who earned his lone cap in 2021. After almost a year without being selected, Lang returns after receiving a reward for some strong play with PSV.

The Netherlands are above Hungary, who are in third place, on goal differential. They are in second place in Group A3, five points below leaders Germany. For them to qualify for the quarterfinals in March of next year, they must at least hold onto second position.

Netherlands squad for November international matches

Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Brentford), Nick Olij (Sparta Rotterdam), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United), Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries (both Inter Milan), Jorrel Hato, Devyne Rensch (both Ajax Amsterdam), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Mats Wieffer (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Ajax Amsterdam), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Noa Lang (PSV Eindhoven), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund), Wout Weghorst (Ajax Amsterdam), Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United).

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