Frenkie de Jong ruled out of Euro 2024 due to ankle injury in major blow for Netherlands

Netherlands have suffered a major blow as Frenkie de Jong has confirmed he has been ruled out of Euro 2024 with an ankle injury.

The Barcelona midfielder was racing to return to fitness after missing most of the last three months due to an ankle problem that he suffered in early March.

The 27-year-old was named in Ronald Koeman's European Championship squad with the hope he would be fit in time for the tournament.

But the Dutchman was ruled out following Monday night's 4-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up game before heading to Germany.

De Jong was not involved in his country’s win and revealed that he would not be in the squad for the Euros.

He posted on social media on Monday, saying: “I'm sad and disappointed that I won’t make it to the EC [European Championship].

“We’ve been doing a lot of [work] the last few weeks, but my ankle needs more time unfortunately. It’s a dream and greatest honour to represent our country in a final tournament. Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus and feeling the support of the entire country.

“But now I will, like the entire Orange legion, cheer for our team from the sidelines. Let's go boys."

De Jong had participated in training over the weekend despite being kept away from any contact, and there was hope that he might find his fitness.

Koeman had even suggested he would take De Jong even if he had to miss the opening group games, but admitted he would have to reconsider if he was unlikely to return before the knockout stages.

Netherlands begin their tournament on June 16 against Poland in Hamburg, before facing France and Austria.

The Dutch have not made it beyond the last-16 of the European Championship since 2008, and were knocked out at that stage in 2021 by Czech Republic.

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