Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie against Spain due to injury, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed on Wednesday. Gravenberch sustained the injury during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday.
“Ryan Gravenberch has left the Oranje’s training camp this evening,” the KNVB statement read. “The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain.”
Gravenberch has been a regular starter for Premier League title contenders Liverpool this season. The former Bayern Munich player will now be assessed ahead of Liverpool’s league match against Everton on April 2nd.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that Memphis Depay will lead the attack and Frenkie de Jong will feature in midfield for the first leg against Spain. Depay, 31, is five goals away from becoming his country’s all-time leading scorer, but has not played for the national team since last year’s European Championship. He was without a club after leaving LaLiga side Atlético Madrid, before signing for Corinthians in Brazil.
Koeman expressed confidence in Depay’s fitness: “The way I saw Memphis in Brazil and the way I see him now, how he has come in and how fresh he looks in training, it does give me confidence for tomorrow… In terms of fitness, he is fitter than in the run-up to the European Championship.” It will be his 99th cap.
De Jong, who missed Barcelona’s 4-2 win at Atletico Madrid due to illness, declared himself fit to play. He dismissed concerns about a long-standing ankle injury that kept him out of Euro 2024. “We’ll see tomorrow, but as far as I’m concerned, I can play 90 minutes,” he said. “I’m completely fit again, and I don’t have any problems with my ankle anymore.”
Koeman also praised Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert, who returned to the Dutch team last November after a six-year absence. “I have always believed in his qualities, but he has made many wandering choices in his career,” Koeman said. “Justin has developed tremendously in several aspects. Particularly in the intensity of playing. If you can hold your own in the Premier League, then that is a great step in your career.”
The Netherlands host Spain in Rotterdam on Thursday before traveling to Valencia for the second leg on Sunday. The squad selection and Koeman’s comments indicate a blend of experience and returning players as the Netherlands aim to progress in the Nations League.
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