Jurriën Timber and Ruben van Bommel are set to start for the Netherlands on Thursday evening. The pair are in line to replace the injured Jan Paul van Hecke and Cody Gakpo in the probable starting lineup for the Nations League match against Greece.
Van Hecke had to stop training after just seven minutes in Zeist due to a foot injury and left the camp. Gakpo returned to England to recover from an ankle issue. Manager Xavi Hernández stated that Timber is fit enough to play ninety minutes. Van Bommel, who provided an assist against Germany, is expected to earn his first senior start.
Lineup and options
The probable lineup sees Bart Verbruggen in goal. Denzel Dumfries, Timber, Virgil van Dijk and Micky van de Ven form the defence. Joey Veerman, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders keep their midfield places. Crysencio Summerville and Van Bommel will flank striker Mexx Meerdink, who scored twice against Serbia.
Xavi is also considering moving Van Dijk to the right side of central defence. "Yes, that's possible. He can help the team, just like the others," the manager said. "I know it's not his favourite position. But if we need someone somewhere else... The team comes first."
Context and opponent
The Netherlands are unbeaten under Xavi following a 1-1 draw with Germany and a 1-2 win over Serbia. Their last five matches have yielded three wins and two draws. Full stats for the squad are available.
Greece lead the Nations League group after victories over Serbia and Germany. "They are a good team. They play very physically and they have a good front line," Xavi analysed. "We have analysed the team well. They are a very good side, especially when playing at home." The match at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki kicks off at 20:45.
Van Bommel will become the first international whose father Mark van Bommel and grandfather Bert van Marwijk both played for the Netherlands. The squad now has 23 players, with Van Hecke being the fourth to withdraw during this international window.
Further reading: FCUpdate.nl
