Frenkie de Jong Returns to Training for the Netherlands Ahead of Euro 2024

Frenkie de Jong (27) has rejoined training sessions, providing a significant boost for the Netherlands just a week before their opening game at the European Championship, according to coach Ronald Koeman on Sunday. The playmaking midfielder, crucial to Dutch hopes in Germany, trained with the squad on Sunday after a week of individual sessions.

De Jong has been dealing with ankle injuries this season and has not played since April.

“He participated in the training session, but we avoided any contact,” Koeman said during a press conference ahead of Monday’s final preparatory friendly against Iceland in Rotterdam.

“It’s possible that Frenkie might not be ready for the first match,” Koeman admitted.

“However, we are willing to wait until the second or third game if necessary. Even if he can’t play in the first two games, we will keep him in the squad.

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“Only if it appears he will miss the entire group stage will I reconsider his selection.”

Any potential injury replacement for the 26-man squad, finalized on Friday, would need to be made before the Netherlands face Poland in their first Group D match in Hamburg next Sunday.

Discussing the overall fitness of the Dutch squad, Koeman said, “Several players had some rest towards the end of the season and have arrived fresh.

“Others are not yet ready for a full 90 minutes, but we’ve had productive training sessions.

“Our aim is to manage the workload appropriately, ensure recovery, and start the first match in peak condition,” the coach added.