Joshua Zirkzee Recalled by Netherlands After Brian Brobbey Hamstring Injury
Joshua Zirkzee has been recalled to the Netherlands squad after Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday’s 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Netherlands squad update
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement | Joshua Zirkzee | Called in after Brian Brobbey’s injury |
| Brobbey injury | Hamstring, first half | Sustained against Germany on Thursday |
| Zirkzee record | Six senior caps | First call-up since November 2024 |
| Next match | Serbia v Netherlands, Sunday | Nations League fixture in Belgrade |
Brobbey went down shortly after the half-hour mark, holding his hamstring, and was unable to continue. Play continued while the Sunderland forward was on the ground, with Felix Nmecha scoring Germany’s opening goal before the Netherlands recovered to draw the match.
The injury created an immediate shortage of central forwards for head coach Xavi Hernandez. Donyell Malen had already withdrawn from the group, leaving debutant Mexx Meerdink as the only recognised No. 9 available after Brobbey’s exit.
Xavi moved after the final whistle to bring in Zirkzee rather than turn to more established international options such as Wout Weghorst or Memphis Depay. The Manchester United attacker is due at the KNVB training base in Zeist on Friday evening for medical examinations before travelling with the squad.
The 25-year-old has not represented Oranje since November 2024 and will seek to build on his six appearances at senior level. His involvement at Manchester United has been limited this season, and his reduced role at Old Trafford had kept him outside the international picture for an extended period.
His ability to connect play and operate as a technical focal point appears to have suited Xavi’s requirements for the coming fixtures. Zirkzee is expected to fly to Belgrade on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Serbia.
The Serbia trip begins a three-match Nations League sequence for the Netherlands. Oranje will then travel to Greece before Serbia visit the Netherlands for the return fixture.
