Frenkie de Jong Ruled Out of Euro 2024, Delivering Major Blow to Netherlands’ Hopes

In a significant setback for the Netherlands, an ankle injury has ruled Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong out of Euro 2024. Ronald Koeman included the 27-year-old midfielder, who missed the final month of the club season, in his squad with hopes of a recovery in time for the tournament. Unfortunately, the Euros have come too soon for De Jong, who is now focusing on regaining fitness for the 2024-25 season with Barcelona.

Voetbal International reports that Koeman initially prepared for De Jong to miss the opening group game if it meant he could participate later in the tournament. However, De Jong’s condition necessitated his withdrawal from the squad altogether.

The Netherlands’ Euro 2024 campaign begins against Poland in Hamburg on June 16. They will then face pre-tournament favorites France in Leipzig, followed by a crucial final group match against Austria at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

De Jong has been a key player for the Netherlands in recent major tournaments, starting all four games at Euro 2020 and playing a pivotal role in their run to the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite his absence, Koeman’s team has managed back-to-back friendly wins, including a 4-0 victory over Iceland, with PSV’s Joey Veerman and Jordy Schouten stepping up in midfield.

De Jong made a brief return to action for Barcelona in April’s Clasico against Real Madrid but has not played since. Since his big-money move from Ajax in 2019, the media has linked De Jong with a Premier League transfer, though former Barca boss Xavi emphasized his importance to the team last season.

“Frenkie is a fundamental footballer, very important for me. Absolutely nothing changes,” Xavi said in April. “He has had the misfortune of having three ankle injuries, which is a shame because he was at a very high level before getting injured.”

With De Jong sidelined, Koeman faces crucial decisions regarding his midfield lineup. Al-Ettifaq’s Gini Wijnaldum, the only midfielder in the squad with more than 25 senior caps, may see increased playing time. The relatively inexperienced midfield group also includes players like Teun Koopmeiners and Ryan Gravenberch, who have substantial experience in top European club football.

The Netherlands will need to adapt quickly to De Jong’s absence and rely on emerging talents as they aim to make a deep run in Euro 2024.