Donyell Malen ruled out of Netherlands squad after strong Roma start

Donyell Malen has been withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international break because of an injury, the Dutch football association has confirmed.

The Roma forward was not showing any obvious signs of a problem during his side’s 2-2 draw with Inter on Saturday, making the announcement unexpected. The Dutch football association has not disclosed the nature of Malen’s injury, but said he would miss the Netherlands’ upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

The Netherlands are in Group B alongside Germany, Serbia and Greece, and begin their campaign against Germany on 24 September.

Malen, 27, has made an impressive start to the season with Roma. He has scored 6 goals in 5 Serie A appearances and also provided an assist in his only UEFA Champions League appearance so far.

He has won 56 international caps for the Netherlands and scored 13 goals since making his debut in September 2019.

Replacements called up

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has called up Go Ahead Eagles forward Joes de Wit and Max Meijers to replace Malen and the injured Justin Kluivert.

Malen’s absence is the second setback for Roma during the international break. Wesley has also been left out of the Brazil squad because of a muscular problem.

The Netherlands will face Germany, Serbia and Greece in the UEFA Nations League.

The fixture against Germany will be Hernandez’s first match in charge of the Netherlands. It will also be Jurgen Klopp’s first game as Germany manager.

Hernandez was appointed after Ronald Koeman was dismissed following the Netherlands’ disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup, which was staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Netherlands were eliminated from the tournament in the last 32 after losing to Morocco on penalties following a 1-1 draw.