Premier League star receives shock call up to Netherlands' Euro 2024 squad despite official 'deadline' passing
A Premier League star has been called up to the Netherlands' Euro 2024 squad just days before they begin their campaign.
The Netherlands are grouped with France, Austria and Poland in Group D.
Ronald Koeman named his squad for the tournament in Germany last month as he made some big calls.
But he has been dealt a blow following the withdrawal of key player Frenkie de Jong, who has been ruled out of the Euros, having suffered a series of ankle issues last season.
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The Barcelona midfielder took to social media to express his disappointment at missing this summer's tournament.
On Instagram, he wrote: "I'm sad and disappointed that I won't make it to the European Championship.
"We've been doing a lot of it the past few weeks, but my ankle needs more time unfortunately.
"It's a dream and greatest honour to represent our country in a final tournament. Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus and feeling the support of the entire country.
"But now I will, like the entire orange legion, cheer for our team from the sidelines. Let's go, boys."
As a result, Koeman has called up Ian Maatsen to replace De Jong despite the June 7 deadline passing.
Even though he enjoyed a brilliant loan spell away from Chelsea last season, Maatsen was snubbed of a spot in Koeman's initial 23-man party.
However, the 22-year-old, who starred at Borussia Dortmund last season, is set to be a part of the Dutch squad, according to widespread reports.
He'll cut short his holiday and link up with the national team ahead of his side kicking off their campaign on Sunday.
The 22-year-old joined Dortmund during the January transfer window and made 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals.
Maatsen has played 16 games for Chelsea, having enjoyed four loan spells away from Stamford Bridge.
A permanent transfer appears likely this summer as clubs will have to shell out Β£35 million, which is believed to be his release clause.
Topics:Β Netherlands, Football, Frenkie De Jong, Chelsea, Premier League
Nasir Jabbar