Key facts
- Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is dealing with a hip injury.
- Verbruggen's status for the World Cup opener against Japan is uncertain.
- Coach Ronald Koeman hopes Verbruggen can play but is awaiting daily assessments.
- Jurrien Timber and Xavi Simons have already been ruled out due to injuries.
- The team is training in Kansas City, Missouri, amidst high temperatures.
Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is being monitored day-to-day after sustaining a hip injury during a collision in a tune-up match against Uzbekistan. His availability for the team's World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday remains uncertain.
Coach Ronald Koeman stated that while they hope Verbruggen can reach the match, they must wait for daily assessments. Verbruggen, the first-choice goalkeeper and a Brighton standout, was replaced by Mark Flekken in the 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan. Robin Roefs is also on the World Cup roster.
The Netherlands, seeking its first World Cup title, begins its campaign in Dallas. Following the match against Japan, they are scheduled to play Sweden on June 20 and Tunisia on June 25.
This injury follows the earlier news that defender Jurrien Timber, 24, has been ruled out due to a groin injury. Additionally, key playmaker Xavi Simons will miss the tournament after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL in his right knee.
The Dutch squad is currently based in Kansas City, Missouri. Koeman canceled a training session on Tuesday due to high heat indexes, and Wednesday's open session featured light activities like footvolley. Captain Virgil van Dijk acknowledged the challenging heat but emphasized that all teams will face similar conditions and the squad must adapt quickly.