Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has been called up to the Netherlands squad. The 25-year-old, who has made four appearances for the Reds this season, is head coach Xavi Hernandez's choice to replace the injured Brian Brobbey.
Sunderland striker Brobbey went down clutching his hamstring during Netherlands' 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday, and was forced to leave the field. Speaking post-match, Xavi revealed that Brobbey has been forced to return to Sunderland for treatment and that he will call up another forward as a replacement.
Xavi confirms replacement plan
Xavi said in his press conference: "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."
Now, it has been decided that Zirkzee will team up with Xavi's Netherlands squad in preparation for Sunday's Nations League trip to Serbia. The United forward is expected to report to KNVB headquarters in Amsterdam on Friday evening to complete a medical assessment and join the rest of his teammates.
Three matches ahead for Zirkzee
Zirkzee will then board a plane to Belgrade on Saturday alongside the rest of the Dutch squad. The game against Serbia will mark the first of three matches Zirkzee is set to be involved in for his nation. After the trip to Belgrade, the Netherlands travel to face Greece on Thursday, October 1, before welcoming Serbia to Eindhoven for the reverse home fixture.
Xavi still searching for first win
Xavi will be searching for his first win as Netherlands head coach after securing a point in his debut game against Germany on Thursday. After Felix Nmecha gave Jurgen Klopp's side the lead, Liverpool's Cody Gakpo levelled for the Dutch in stoppage-time.
But Xavi felt his side deserved to beat Germany. Netherlands had more shots (22), shots on target (10) and clear-cut chances (5) than their opponents with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen making five saves. "We deserved more in the end," Xavi said. "We created chances, applied pressure and we were superior in the second half."
"He had an incredible game, I told Marc that after the match as well," Xavi said on Ter Stegen. "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."
