Arnaut Danjuma can look forward to his third international match for the Dutch national team. The Villarreal attacker has been called up by national coach Louis van Gaal to replace Cody Gakpo, who suffered an injury against Latvia (0-1 win). The the Dutch squad will play a home game in De Kuip against Gibraltar on Monday.
On Saturday evening, the KNVB will announce through the official channels that Gakpo will not be available for the meeting with Gibraltar next Monday. Van Gaal therefore had to look for a desired replacement, and Danjuma turned out to be the most suitable. According to the reports of the association, Gakpo is struggling with ‘complaints, befitting a concussion’.
?? National coach Louis van Gaal has added Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld to the training camp. He replaces Cody Gakpo, who has left with some complaints, consistent with a concussion. ?? welcome, @Danjuma! ?? Get well soon, Cody!#WCQ2022
— OurOrange (@OnsOrange) Oct 9, 2021
In the World Cup qualifying match with Latvia (0-1), Gakpo was forced to be replaced by Wout Weghorst fifteen minutes before the end, as he was left with a headache after a head-on duel with a Latvian defender. Gakpo has so far made three appearances in the World Cup qualifying cycle, scoring once and providing an assist.
During last Monday’s press conference, Van Gaal already announced that he is keeping Danjuma in his sights. “He changed clubs, he did that late,” the national coach responded when asked why Danjuma was not in the selection for the game with Latvia. “In the beginning he was mainly a substitute. He has been doing great in the last four games. He could be there, but I didn’t decide. I’m glad he’s doing so well. I can’t imagine he’s there next time is not there,” said the national coach.