Frenkie de Jong is absent from the Netherlands lineup as they welcome Germany to the Johan Cruijff ArenA for a UEFA Nations League opener that also launches the international coaching tenures of Xavi Hernández and Jürgen Klopp.
The midfielder’s setback stems from a knee injury incurred during the World Cup when a tumble in a group‑stage game caught him awkwardly. Early scans cleared him, and he featured in every Dutch match up to their round‑of‑32 loss to Morocco.
Post‑tournament exams revealed a tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Barcelona have chosen a conservative rehab over surgery, estimating a four‑to‑six‑month recovery window.
De Jong isn’t the sole omission for Xavi’s side; Donyell Malen, Mats Wieffer, Justin Kluivert and Matthijs de Ligt also sit out with injuries. Across the pitch, Klopp battles a knee issue that sidelines Leon Goretzka for Germany.
Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands (Getty Images). He prepares for the match despite the omission.
Xavi will likely centre his squad around captain Virgil van Dijk, the defensive anchor, as the Dutch aim to kick off a new era with a win over their storied rivals. For my money, van Dijk’s leadership will be the decisive factor.
Netherlands vs Germany: Confirmed line‑ups for the 2026‑27 UEFA Nations League Group A2 encounter
Xavi shares an encouraging update on Frenkie de Jong’s recovery. Will the midfielder be fit to feature in the next international window?
Xavi gave a hopeful update on De Jong’s rehab before tonight’s match, noting they stay in close contact throughout his recovery. “I’ve spoken with him, we have a strong bond. He’s pleased with the progress and feels optimistic,” he told Catalan channel 3Cat.
The Dutch boss added that the international break could prove pivotal for De Jong’s full‑training return. “I believe the key moment will come after this pause, when we see if he re‑joins the group and feels ready to give 100 %,” he explained.
De Jong has missed two months since his medial collateral ligament tear, continuing a non‑surgical treatment plan. The approach aims to bring him back to full strength before the season restarts.