MIDFIELD MISHAP RUINS SEND-OFF

Netherlands beat Iceland 4-0 but de Jong, Koopmeiners ruled out of Euro with injuries

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Dutch fans had hoped that Frenkie de Jong would be fit for Euro 2024, but it all turned into despair when it was announced on June 10 that the key playmaker would not be going to the tournament in Germany.

The 27-year-old has been battling to be fit in time, following several ankle injuries this season while playing for Barcelona.

The midfielder tried training for the first time with his teammates on June 9, after a week of individual work, but doctors said he would not be ready following further examinations a day later.

That put a damper on Dutch spirits, despite the impressive 4-0 win over Iceland in the Netherlands' last Euro 2024 warmup match on June 10 at De Kuip stadium.

De Jong's diagnosis was made public immediately after the game, but coach Ronald Koeman said he knew about it some four hours before kick-off and had told the players.

"Tests have shown that he cannot yet do what he should be able to do. He gets a reaction from his ankle every time after training," he told Dutch television.