The KNVB announced that Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey have withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for the international break after being deemed not fit enough for the upcoming Nations League matches. The Netherlands host Greece in Amsterdam on Friday before travelling to Berlin to play Germany on Monday.
Squad adjustment
No replacements have been called up for Van Dijk and Brobbey, leaving the Netherlands squad with 23 players.
Brobbey’s fitness
“I didn't speak to Brobbey's coach. But he played against Chelsea (1-0). Ruud van Nistelrooij, with whom he has a good relationship, has also spoken to Brobbey,” Xavi explained on Monday.
“But Brobbey feels good. We'll see how he feels when he reports here. He played very well yesterday (Sunday against Chelsea, ed.),” Xavi added.
Club appearances
Van Dijk played 90 minutes for Liverpool in their 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Brobbey played for Sunderland in their 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday and came off 67 minutes into the match.
International appearances
Van Dijk’s previous international appearance was his 100th cap. Brobbey has made 17 appearances for the Netherlands.
