Dutch say De Jong to play after 14-month layoff

Netherlands coach excited to have midfielder back

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will make his return to the national team after a 14-month layoff. De Jong has not played for the Netherlands since a 3-1 win over Ukraine in October 2021 due to a knee injury.

He missed the European Championship last summer and has not featured for Barcelona since November, but Koeman is confident that the 25-year-old is now fit enough to play in the Netherlands' Nations League matches against Belgium and Wales next month.

De Jong a key player for Netherlands

"Frenkie is an important player for us," Koeman said. "He is a regista, he wants the ball, he can play forward, he can score goals. He is a complete player who has a very good football vision. I am very happy to have him back."

De Jong has been in impressive form for Barcelona this season, scoring twice in 13 appearances in all competitions. He will be hoping to continue that form for the Netherlands and help them qualify for the Nations League finals next year.