Netherlands: injured, Van Hecke ruled out for the rest!

A starter in Xavi’s first two matches, Jan Paul van Hecke is ruled out for the rest of the international break.

Another blow for the Netherlands. The Dutch Football Federation announced on Wednesday that Jan Paul van Hecke will miss the rest of the squad’s camp. The 26-year-old defender, who was injured during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Serbia, will not travel to Greece and will return to Tottenham. The exact nature of his injury has not been specified.

Van Hecke had played in the first two matches

His absence forces Xavi Hernández to rethink his defensive setup. Van Hecke had started the first two games of this Nations League campaign and played all 180 minutes. The Oranje were initially held to a 1-1 draw by Germany on September 24 in Amsterdam, with Cody Gakpo scoring a late equaliser.

Three days later, the Netherlands secured their first victory under Xavi with a 2-1 win in Serbia. Mexx Meerdink scored twice, while Van Hecke once again formed part of the Dutch defence. This opening sequence leaves the Netherlands with four points after two matchdays. Xavi had included Van Hecke in his very first squad list with the Oranje for this particularly busy international window.

A starter who had established himself under Xavi

With now 18 caps, Van Hecke had become an important part of the new manager’s initial plans. Having joined Tottenham this summer from Brighton, the centre-back also remains a key player for his club. His absence is therefore bad news for both the Oranje and Spurs, who will be closely monitoring his physical condition.

Greece then Serbia on the schedule

The Netherlands will continue their campaign on Thursday, October 1 with a trip to Thessaloniki to face Greece. Three days later, on October 4, the Oranje will meet Serbia again in Eindhoven.

With four points from their first two outings, Xavi’s men will look to confirm their progress despite Van Hecke’s absence. Jurriën Timber is notably one of the main options to replace the defender in the centre of the defence.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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