De Jong has doubts about the Dutch World Cup match against Sweden

Key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is doubtful for the Netherlands’ World Cup group match against free-scoring Sweden on Saturday after a collision with a teammate, national coach Ronald Koeman said.

Koeman said on the eve of the match in Houston that Barcelona star De Jong was injured in a collision with fellow midfielder Quinten Timber.

Timber, who came on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Japan in Texas, has been permanently ruled out with a mild concussion.

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Koeman reacted irritated when asked to provide more details, especially about the exact injury De Jong suffered.

De Jong played the entire entertaining stalemate with Japan on Sunday.

«There has been a collision that caused a mild concussion, so Quinten will not play this match. He may be ready after this match,» former international Koeman said on Friday.

“But Frenkie also had minor complaints about his physical condition… let’s see how he is doing tomorrow.”

When asked where the injury was for De Jong, who has 67 international matches to his name, Koeman only replied that it was ‘under his stomach’.

An irritated Koeman, who was criticized by parts of the Dutch media for his substitutions against Japan, when pushed again added: “Quinten tripped and this caused an injury for Frenkie.

“I have already explained a lot about his injury.”

Sweden started their campaign with a 5-1 defeat against Tunisia.

Published on June 20, 2026