2024 EUROs: Netherlands Lose Five Players To Viral Infection

By Chimezie Nebolisa

Cody Gakpo and Matthijs de Ligt were among five players that left the Netherlands national team camp on Thursday after being hit by a virus as they prepare for Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier away to France.

In a statement, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said forward Gakpo and defender De Ligt had left the squad, along with Sven Botman, Joey Vermeen and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Botman, Vermeen and Verbruggen are uncapped and were hoping for their first active involvements with the Oranje, while Gakpo and De Ligt are key figures in the Dutch side.

Koeman called in Vitesse goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, Inter defender Stefan de Vrij and Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch to fortify his group.

The KNVB described the problem facing the five sick players as "a viral infection", without giving further details.