five internationals sent home immediately
NOS Football––Customized
Five Oranje internationals returned home immediately the day before the European Championship qualifier against France. Cody Gakpo, Matthijs de Ligt, Sven Botman, Joey Veerman and Bart Verbruggen are struggling with a viral infection.
It is not known what kind of virus is involved. However, it is clear that it is not the coronavirus.
National coach Ronald Koeman immediately called up three replacements: Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich), Kjell Scherpen (Vitesse) and Stefan de Vrij (Internazionale).
Gravenberch and Scherpen were already with Jong Oranje at training camp in Spain, De Vrij becomes the 23rd player with the selection. After the match against France, the composition of the selection will be reviewed.
Earlier this week Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn already dropped out due to injuries. Veerman was called up as a replacement, together with Donyell Malen. For the Volendam native it was the first time he was included in the Orange selection, as was Verbruggen.
