Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has confirmed that Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey will be replaced in the squad after he sustained an injury during his side's 1-1 draw against Germany on Thursday.
The 24-year-old went down in the 35th minute and appeared to be holding his hamstring as he received treatment from the Dutch medical staff. He was unable to continue and limped off the pitch before being replaced by AZ Alkmaar's Mexx Meerdink.
Return to Sunderland expected
While the exact nature of Brobbey's condition is unknown at this stage, Xavi has revealed that the setback is severe enough for him to return to Sunderland, with Netherlands expected to bring in a replacement going into their trip to face Serbia next.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Xavi said: "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."
Blow for Sunderland after hat-trick
Brobbey's injury is no doubt a huge blow to Regis Le Bris and Sunderland, after he scored a hat-trick in the 5-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday. Many were hoping Brobbey's treble would kickstart his season, following a slow start, but he is now poised for a spell out on the sidelines.
The former Ajax man had failed to score in each of Sunderland's first six matches across all competitions, but it felt as though he was back to his brilliant best in the defeat at City.
Heaping praise on the Dutchman after his treble - Sunderland's first in the Premier League for a decade - Le Bris said: "We were not concerned about him not scoring in the first six games. He showed so many good signs during training sessions - his mentality, on the pitch, in the Premier League and Europa League, it was just a question of time. The connection with his teammates is getting better so I'm really pleased for him. It's never easy to have a long period without scoring. Now it's done."
Upcoming fixtures and options
Sunderland have just over two weeks to wait until they are next in action. After the extended international break, the Black Cats host Brighton in the Premier League before travelling to Torreense in the Europa League.
Le Bris' side are set for a hectic period after the international hiatus with nine matches across four weeks, including three in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.
Should Brobbey be out for a significant period, Wilson Isidor is expected to lead the line. The Haiti international has only found the back of the net for the Black Cats once this season, albeit he has seen his game-time limited through Le Bris' preference for Brobbey.
Young academy talent, Timur Tutierov, is also an option should Sunderland need extra depth in attack, although it is clear that the 21-year-old needs more time to develop before he is ready for consistent action at the highest level.
