Brian Brobbey rejoins injury-hit Dutch national team, first call-up for Kees Smit

Ronald Koeman, the manager, faced limited choices following injuries to several key players, such as Frenkie de Jong, Robin Roefs, Justin Kluivert, Emmanuel Emegha, Matthijs de Ligt, and Crysencio Summerville. Koeman noted that Summerville was a strong candidate for inclusion in the World Cup roster.

Despite ongoing fitness concerns, record goalscorer Memphis Depay and Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken have earned spots in the squad. Flekken's latest appearance for Leverkusen came on 17 January, whereas Depay sat out Friday's match versus Chapecoense because of a knee issue. Jurriën Timber from Arsenal, who left the pitch injured during his team's 2-1 triumph over Everton last weekend, is also included in Koeman's selection.

On another note, Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey makes a comeback to the Netherlands lineup, marking his return since March 2025. The eight-capped player participated in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash with Spain at that time.

Kees Smit, the AZ prospect valued at 50 million euros and recognised as Player of the Tournament during last summer's Under-19 European Championships, gains his initial senior selection. This comes after he netted four goals and provided eight assists, with four of those assists occurring in the UEFA Conference League.

The Dutch team, allocated to Group F with Japan, Tunisia, and a European playoff team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has scheduled friendlies against Norway on 27 March and Ecuador on 31 March.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Justin Bijlow (Genoa), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen)

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Stefan de Vrij (Inter), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jurriën Timber

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Luciano Valente (Feyenoord), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Quinten Timber (Olympique Marseille), Kees Smit (AZ),

Forwards: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)