Frenkie De Jong Uncertain For Euro 2024 Opener Due To Ankle Injury
Frenkie de Jong remains uncertain about his availability for the Netherlands' Euro 2024 opener against Poland as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Despite his condition, De Jong was included in Ronald Koeman's final 26-man squad for the tournament. The midfielder has been sidelined since April 21, missing several key matches for Barcelona.
De Jong managed only 30 appearances across all competitions during the 2023-24 season. Barcelona finished second to Real Madrid in LaLiga and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. Currently, De Jong has not yet participated in team training, although he has joined his international teammates ahead of warm-up matches against Canada and Iceland.
Speaking to reporters after an individual training session on Sunday, De Jong said, "I'm not fit yet, so I can't say I'm doing well. The ankle is fine in itself but it just needs to recover properly because it shouldn't become something chronic. I'm not doing anything with the team yet. I am doing physio and recovery training, individual training. We just have to wait and see how the ankle goes. Then we will see when I can join in."
When asked about his chances of playing against Poland in the Oranje's Group D opener on June 16, De Jong responded, "That is always the question. If you are not completely fit now and are not training with the group, then the question is always when and if you will make it. No one knows exactly. I really cannot say when. That's not because I don't want to and know it myself. It's just difficult to say."
Euro 2024 marks the Netherlands' 11th participation in UEFA's flagship international tournament. The Dutch team previously won the competition when it was last hosted solely in Germany, defeating the Soviet Union in the 1988 final.
De Jong's fitness remains a significant concern for Ronald Koeman as he prepares his squad for the upcoming matches. The midfielder's presence could be crucial for the Netherlands' performance in Euro 2024, given his experience and skill set.
The Netherlands will be looking to build on their historical success in European competitions as they aim for another strong showing this year. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring De Jong's recovery progress in the days leading up to their first match.
Below is a tweet from OnsOranje showcasing fan support during a recent training session:
So much love! Yesterday we welcomed 2000+ fans at our training! #NothingLikeOranje #CreateHistory pic.twitter.com/aBDHxxfF04
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 2, 2024
The support from fans could provide a morale boost for the team as they prepare for Euro 2024. The Oranje will need all their key players fit and ready if they are to make a deep run in this year's tournament.
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