Joshua Zirkzee has received a Netherlands call-up from head coach Xavi Hernandez, with the Manchester United forward drafted in to replace injured Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey. The Joshua Zirkzee Netherlands call-up comes just days before the Dutch travel to Belgrade for a crucial Nations League fixture against Serbia.
Joshua Zirkzee called up to Netherlands squad
Brobbey went off during Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Germany and will not be involved against Serbia. Zirkzee steps into the squad as the Dutch look to keep their Nations League campaign on track.
The 24-year-old joins up with the national side straight from Old Trafford, where he has been working under Michael Carrick during the international break.
Xavi Hernandez confirms Brian Brobbey injury details
Hernandez confirmed the extent of the problem after the Germany match. “Brian is indeed injured, unfortunately, so we will call up another striker. We haven’t decided who yet; I haven’t had time for that yet,” he said.
Brobbey has since returned to Sunderland for treatment on the injury. Cody Gakpo salvaged a point for Netherlands with a stoppage-time equaliser, after Felix Nmecha had put Germany ahead. Hernandez felt his side deserved more from the game.
“We deserved more in the end,” he said. “We created chances, applied pressure and we were superior in the second half.”
The Dutch coach also praised Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who made several key saves. “He had an incredible game, I told Marc that after the match as well,” Hernandez said. “He’s a close friend, a top guy and a top professional. I’m happy for him, but he was playing against us. Germany owe the point they got today to Marc-Andre.”
International duty schedule and United squad impact
Zirkzee’s call-up adds to a busy international window for Manchester United, with several players away representing their countries this week. Fans can track how the club’s contingent has fared in our report on stars impress on international duty.
Back at Old Trafford, Kobbie Mainoo recently picked up the club’s Player of the Month award, a reminder of the depth Carrick has to call on once the squad regroups after the break.
Timeline for Netherlands vs Serbia Nations League clash
Zirkzee is due to report to KNVB headquarters in Amsterdam on Friday evening. The Joshua Zirkzee Netherlands call-up then moves quickly: the squad travels to Belgrade on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s Nations League match against Serbia.
Hernandez’s comments and the full detail of Zirkzee’s involvement were first reported by the Manchester Evening News report.
