Frenkie de Jong returned to Netherlands training on Tuesday. The 29-year-old midfielder took part in a session with the national team for the first time in over four months at the KNVB Campus in Zeist.
It was also his first training under new head coach Xavi Hernández. The Spanish coach called De Jong a "top player who can play anywhere". The full 23-man squad was present, but only Denzel Dumfries, Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders appeared on the pitch with De Jong. Virgil van Dijk reported but left quickly due to a lack of fitness. Brian Brobbey is missing this international break.
Comeback from injury
De Jong missed the previous international window due to a knee injury sustained at the World Cup. He made his return for FC Barcelona last month and has played four matches since. His return to the national team comes at a key time. The side is preparing for two decisive Nations League fixtures: against Greece on Friday and Germany on Monday.
The Netherlands is in a strong position in the group. The team is unbeaten in its last three matches, with two wins and a draw. That run began with a 1-2 away win in Serbia on 27 September, followed by a 2-2 draw in Greece on 1 October. The most recent victory was a 2-1 win over Serbia in early October, with goals from Teun Koopmeiners and Joshua Zirkzee. A win against Greece, combined with Germany not winning against Serbia, would already secure the Netherlands a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. The decision will be made on Monday in Berlin, where the top two teams in the group will advance.
Tuesday's training started at noon and only the first fifteen minutes were open to the media. Further sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The match against Greece kicks off at 20:45 on Friday at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. That is the next official fixture, on Friday 13 November. Supporters can view the full schedule for the team. The squad is ready for a key week, boosted by the return of a key player.
