The Netherlands’ hopes of triumph at Euro 2024 have suffered a significant setback with star midfielder Frenkie de Jong ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.
De Jong only managed 20 La Liga appearances for Barcelona during the 2023/24 season before his campaign ended in April because of the injury. There was optimism about his recovery, with both De Jong and Oranje manager Ronald Koeman hopeful that the former Ajax star could participate in the tournament in Germany.
Koeman had commented, “Everyone is 100% except Frenkie. He has taken the next step. He may not be fit for the first match, but he will stay with the group. We might wait until the second or third game. That is a possibility. Only if he can’t play the first three games will I have to reconsider.”
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De Jong had also expressed his determination, saying, “My goal is to play in the first group stage game. When you’re injured, you’re constantly aware of it. Even when I wake up in the middle of the night and go to the bathroom, I check how my ankle feels.”
However, it has now been confirmed that De Jong will not be fit to participate this summer. The 27-year-old shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, writing:
“I’m sad and disappointed that I won’t make it to the EC. We’ve been working hard over the past few weeks, but my ankle needs more time, unfortunately. It’s a dream and the greatest honor to represent our country in a final tournament. Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus, and feeling the support of the entire country. But now, I will, like the entire orange legion, cheer for our team from the sidelines. Let’s go boys 🧡”