The Dutch football federation has announced that several members of Ronald Koeman’s squad have been withdrawn from Euro Qualification duty due to a virus outbreak.
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is one of five players sent home after an outbreak of a virus in Holland’s international squad.
Newcastle United defender Sven Botman, Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman and Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen have also left the squad.
While the virus is yet to be determined, sources in Holland have stated it is not coronavirus.
he Netherlands have already lost Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and Ajax forward Steven Bergwijn to injury, with Koeman needing to get creative with his selection as he prepares to open his second spell in charge of the Oranje – having previously left to take charge at Camp Nou in 2020.
With his ranks severely depleted, Koeman has called up Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij and Vitesse Arnhem goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen as replacements.
After facing 2022 World Cup finalists France in Paris, the Dutch will then take in a home date with Group B minnows Gibraltar on Monday.
