In a shocking turn of events, FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, reported by GOAL. Despite efforts to recover, De Jong's lingering ankle injury will prevent him from participating in the tournament.

Frenkie de Jong's exclusion from the Dutch squad was confirmed immediately after the Netherlands' impressive 4-0 victory over Iceland in their final warm-up game. This news comes as a significant blow to the national team, which had hoped to rely on the talented midfielder’s skills during the European Championship.

De Jong has been struggling with an ankle injury since early March, which he sustained during Barcelona's 0-0 draw with Athletic Club. The injury kept him out for most of the last three months, except for a brief 45-minute appearance in the El Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21. Despite his inclusion in Ronald Koeman's Euro squad, in hopes that he would regain fitness, De Jong's recovery did not progress as needed.

The 27-year-old's absence leaves a considerable gap in the Dutch midfield. De Jong's vision, control, and ability to dictate play would have been pivotal for the Netherlands as they aim for glory in Euro 2024. His injury adds to the challenges facing Ronald Koeman as he prepares his team for the tournament.

Frenkie de Jong's statement

Addressing his fans and supporters on Instagram, De Jong expressed his disappointment: “I'm sad and disappointed that I won't make it to the European Championship. We've been doing a lot of it the past few weeks, but my ankle needs more time unfortunately. It's a dream and greatest honour 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.”

With Euro 2024 off the table, De Jong's focus now shifts to recovering fully in time for the 2024-25 season with Barcelona. The club's summer training will kick off in July, with the squad set to embark on a tour of the United States towards the end of the month. De Jong’s primary goal will be to regain full fitness and prepare for the upcoming season, where he will be crucial for Barcelona’s aspirations both domestically and in Europe.

De Jong’s immediate plan involves intensive rehabilitation to ensure his ankle heals completely. Barcelona’s medical team will work closely with him to create a tailored recovery program aimed at getting him back to peak condition. This period will also be crucial for De Jong to regain his match fitness and integrate back into the team’s dynamics.

Impact on FC Barcelona

De Jong's absence from the Netherlands squad means he will have more time to focus on his recovery without the added pressure of international competition. This could ultimately benefit Barcelona, as a fully fit De Jong will be vital for their midfield stability and creativity next season. His vision and ability to control the pace of the game are indispensable assets for the Catalan giants.

Ronald Koeman now faces the task of restructuring his midfield without De Jong. The Dutch squad has depth, but replacing a player of De Jong’s caliber is no easy feat. Koeman will likely look to other midfielders like Georginio Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon, and Ryan Gravenberch to step up and fill the void. These players will need to bring their A-game to ensure the Netherlands remains competitive in the tournament.

Without De Jong, Koeman might have to tweak his tactics. De Jong’s ability to link defense and attack with his passing and movement is unmatched. The Dutch manager might opt for a more direct approach or adjust his midfield setup to compensate for the loss. The team will need to adapt quickly to these changes to maintain their form and performance.

Frenkie de Jong’s withdrawal from the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024 is a significant setback for the team. While his absence will be felt, the focus now shifts to his recovery and preparation for the next season with Barcelona. For the Netherlands, it's time for other players to step up and for Ronald Koeman to showcase his tactical acumen. As De Jong cheers from the sidelines, the Dutch team will aim to make a deep run in the tournament, hoping to bring home the trophy.