Frenkie de Jong misses Netherlands’ Germany test after minor fitness concern

Frenkie de Jong will miss the Netherlands’ final Nations League group-stage match against Germany on Monday after reporting minor physical discomfort following the game against Greece.

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has left the 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder out of the squad for the trip to Berlin as a precaution. The decision was made after De Jong experienced some physical complaints during the victory over Greece.

A statement on the Netherlands’ official X account said: “Frenkie de Jong is suffering from some minor physical discomfort and will miss the upcoming away match against Germany.”

It added: “As a precautionary measure, the coaching staff decided that the player would not travel to Berlin, because Monday’s match comes too soon for the midfielder’s recovery period.”

The Netherlands will not call up a replacement, leaving 23 players in the squad for the meeting at the Berlin Olympic Stadium.

The fixture is the Netherlands’ final match in the Nations League group stage. They lead the group with 11 points, while Germany and Greece have eight points each. Serbia are bottom without a point.

A draw against Germany would guarantee that the Netherlands finish top of the group and qualify for the quarter-finals, which are scheduled to take place in March.

De Jong’s gradual return

De Jong is enduring a significant period in his career after a long-term injury disrupted his season and affected his ability to make regular appearances for both Barcelona and the Netherlands.

The midfielder suffered a knee injury during the 2026 World Cup, ruling him out of several important fixtures before he began a gradual return with Barcelona in late October.

His comeback has required careful management. De Jong needed time to regain his match rhythm, while Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has treated his fitness cautiously to avoid placing additional demands on him before he is fully ready.

The Netherlands international remains an important part of Barcelona’s plans because of his ability to control the tempo, retain possession under pressure and help build attacks from deep. His tactical flexibility also allows him to perform several roles in midfield.

De Jong’s latest absence provides another interruption as he attempts to restore his regular involvement for club and country and return to his best physical and technical level.