Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst is facing a tough decision over his future with the national team after picking up a fresh injury. The 33-year-old is weighing up whether he can still be available for Ronald Koeman’s squad, according to sources close to the player. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, every missed training session increases the risk, especially as the Dutch chase a Euro 2028 spot.

What exactly has happened?

Weghorst suffered a hamstring strain in early July during a club training session, club sources confirm. The injury, which has plagued him before, requires careful rehabilitation. Time is not on his side. The Netherlands face Germany in Amsterdam on 24 September 2026, a match that could be his last real chance to stake a claim for the World Cup squad.

The timing could hardly be worse. Since June 2026, the Dutch have gone unbeaten in five games, with four wins and one draw. Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw with Morocco on 30 June 2026, showed they remain a cohesive unit despite missing key men like Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons.

Why does this matter for the Netherlands?

Weghorst has long been a trusted option for the Netherlands, especially as a late impact substitute who brings physicality and experience. His absence would leave a clear gap up front, especially with Memphis Depay also sidelined. Koeman’s side relies on players who can handle the mental load of major tournaments as well as the technical demands.

The schedule adds pressure. The Dutch must secure their Euro 2028 qualification path while keeping the 2026 World Cup preparation on track. Weghorst has hinted in interviews that he won’t give up lightly, but pragmatism may win out. His club, where he is under contract until mid-2027, is unlikely to force him back if the risk of further damage is too high.

What are Koeman’s options?

Ronald Koeman has several ways to cover Weghorst’s absence. First, he can turn to other strikers in the current squad, like Brian Brobbey or Steven Bergwijn, who have been in good form. He could also hand debuts to young talents such as Brian van den Berg or Sem Steijn, though their international experience remains limited.

Another route is to include Weghorst in the Germany squad but bring him on late or use him only in training. That would let him build match fitness without immediate pressure. Still, the risk remains: a setback could leave the Dutch without one of their most reliable forwards.

What does this mean for the future?

For Weghorst, it’s a moment of reflection. At 33, he knows his time with the national team is finite, especially as the Van Dijk and De Jong generation edges toward the exit. His priority now is full recovery so he can still fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup squad.

For the Netherlands, the situation underscores the need for flexibility. The coming months will be decisive both on the pitch and in the dressing room. With an unbeaten run of five games and a solid core, the outlook is bright-but injuries can derail even the best-laid plans in an instant. Last result: Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (30 June 2026). Next fixture: Netherlands vs Germany (home, 24 September 2026).