Frenkie de Jong provided a boost for the Netherlands ahead of this summer’s European Championship after returning to first team training, coach Ronald Koeman said on Sunday.
The 27-year-old has struggled with ankle injuries this season and hasn’t played a match since April.
De Jong endured three separate ankle injuries in 2023-24, occurring in September, March, and April. His most recent issue happened during a match for Barcelona against rivals Real Madrid, forcing him to leave the field on a stretcher.
The midfielder had previously suggested that it was uncertain whether he’d be fit in time for the Euros, but he joined the rest of the squad on the pitch for the first time after a week of individual training.
“He was part of the training but we kept him away from any contact,” Koeman said.
“It is possible that Frenkie will not make it to the first match. But we can wait until the second or third game. That’s a possibility. Even if he can’t play the first two games, we’ll stick with him. But if it looks as if he will miss the entire group stage, I might have to rethink his selection.”
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Koeman is preparing his side for their final warm-up friendly before the Euros against Iceland on Monday.
The Netherlands have been placed in Group D and play Poland in their first game at the Germany tournament on June 16.
“A number of the players had some rest towards the end of the season and came in fresh,” Koeman said on his squad.
“There were also players who were not yet ready for a full 90 minutes, but we were able to train well.”
Alongside Poland, the Netherlands will face France on June 21 and Austria on June 25 in the group stage.
(ANP via Getty Images)
