Netherlands vs Croatia lineups: Confirmed team news, injury latest and predicted XIs for Nations League
The Netherlands have home advantage in the semi-final encounter, taking place in Rotterdam, as they look to progress through to Sunday’s final to face either Spain or Italy.
They will have to do without Memphis Depay though, with the forward unable to recover from a calf injury, while Matthijs de Ligt had to withdraw from the squad earlier this week after picking up a similar issue in training. Daley Blind has come in to replace him.
There could be a debut for Newcastle’s Sven Botman as a result of De Ligt’s injury, with the centre-back likely to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Jeremie Frimpong, linked with a move to Manchester United, has been left out of the senior squad and then turned down an Under-21s call-up ahead of this summer’s Euros, a decision that Koeman has criticised.
“I don’t think that’s okay,” the Dutch boss said. “The Dutch Juniors are playing a European Championship. If a player thinks he’s gone beyond that level, I think you’re making the wrong decision.”
For Croatia, Josko Gvardiol has been ruled out of upcoming games with a groin injury, meaning Josip Sutalo and Martin Erlic could start at the back.
Marko Livaja has pulled out of the squad after confronting a group of supporters during an open training session, with the forward believing his presence would have been a distraction had he not made the that decision.
“I am extremely sorry that this happened and that the unacceptable behaviour of a few individuals has resulted in us losing an important player for this competition,” Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said.
“I understand Marko and the gravity of the situation he found himself in, and I respect his decision to not participate in the Nations League finals after everything that has been written and experienced.”
Predicted Netherlands XI (4-3-3): Bijlow; Juranovic, Dumfries, Van Dijk, Botman, Ake; De Jong, De Roon, Wijnaldum; Simons, Gakpo, Bergwijn
Predicted Croatia XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Erlic, Sosa; Brozovic, Modric, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
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