The absence of Frenkie de Jong at the 2024 European Championship is hitting the players of the Dutch national team hard, as became clear soon after the 4-0 practice win over Iceland. In conversation with the NOS Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons, among others, say that they will miss the midfielder enormously.

Immediately after the Dutch victory, the KNVB announced that De Jong will not go to the European Championship in Germany. The midfielder has not recovered sufficiently from his ankle injury and is focusing on his recovery towards next season.

“It's a shame for us. It is an important player,” Simons responds to the news. “I hope he recovers well and returns to the field soon. You always want to play with the best team, so it's a shame.”

“We were told about it today by the trainer. It's a shame, because ultimately it is an important player for us. We will miss him very much, but we will also do our best for him to make it a great tournament,” said Simons.

Memphis is also logically disappointed by the absence of De Jong. “Yes, it's a thump. It is painful for the team, for the national coach and most of all for Frenkie himself of course.”

“He worked really hard to make it. He had even trained with us. Then you don't expect this at first. Knowing him, this hits him hard too. He still has a very long career ahead of him and he has to make wise choices.”

“It hit me hard too, I didn't expect it either. Ultimately you see that we haven't played together for the Dutch national team for a year. Frenkie brings so much extra peace to the game and quality. We will miss that,” concludes Memphis.

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