De Ligt and Zirkzee left out of Netherlands´ Nations League squad

Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee have been dropped from the Netherlands’ provisional squad for the Nations League quarter-finals.

The Manchester United pair, who had been regular features under Ronald Koeman, miss out after enduring difficult individual campaigns at Old Trafford.

Koeman’s side welcome Spain to Rotterdam for the first leg of their quarter-final tie on March 20, with the return fixture taking place in Valencia three days later.

When fit, former captain De Ligt had been part of every Dutch squad since making his debut in 2017, while Zirkzee had been involved each time since his senior international bow at Euro 2024.

Despite the duo’s absence, Koeman has still named 10 Premier League players in his provisional 25-man party, including Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Justin Kluivert.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay – now playing for Brazilian giants Corinthians – could make his first Oranje appearance since the Euro 2024 semi-final defeat by England.

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