The Netherlands national football team will face Germany in Monday’s Nations League match without captain Frenkie de Jong.
The midfielder is currently dealing with persistent back problems, according to Yahoo Sports.
De Jong’s absence is a notable setback for the Dutch side, which is currently leading Group A2.
During a recent 7-0 victory over Greece, the midfielder was instrumental in dictating the pace of play for the first 45 minutes.
However, the physical toll of his injury became apparent by halftime, and he was ultimately forced to remain in the dressing room.
The team is already managing several other high-profile absences for the upcoming clash.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez is currently without Virgil van Dijk, the team’s usual captain, and striker Brian Brobbey.
Both players are sidelined due to ongoing injury concerns, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Despite these significant personnel challenges, the Dutch squad managed to deliver a formidable performance during their previous outing.
The upcoming match against Germany follows a 2-2 draw between the two sides earlier in the tournament.
That initial meeting in Amsterdam marked the debut of Jürgen Klopp as the head coach for the German team.
The Netherlands will now look to maintain their position at the top of the group standings despite the missing leadership on the pitch.
The medical staff continues to monitor the recovery process for de Jong and the other injured players ahead of future international fixtures.
Fans expect a highly competitive match as both teams look to solidify their standing in the Nations League group stage.
The Dutch team remains optimistic about their depth and ability to perform under pressure despite the current health concerns affecting the roster.
The coaching staff must now adjust their tactical approach to compensate for the loss of their primary playmaker in the midfield.