Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands have, on Sunday, been dealt a potential blow on the personnel front.
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The player to have sparked concern across the Oranje’s fanbase? Denzel Dumfries.
Wing-back Dumfries was afforded his latest start at club level earlier today, featuring for Inter Milan from his customary position on the right flank.
Just inside the closing 20 minutes, however, the former PSV Eindhoven standout was forced into a premature departure from the action, owing to what appeared to be a knee injury.
With the Netherlands’ World Cup opener versus Senegal set to play out in just eight days’ time, it remains to be seen whether Dumfries - an important member of his country’s setup - will be available for selection.
Elsewhere on the Dutch front, Louis van Gaal has also provided an insight into the wellbeing of another star member of his squad - Memphis Depay.
Barcelona frontman Depay has not featured in a competitive fixture since all the way back in September, after picking up an injury whilst, coincidentally, on international duty with the Netherland.
Boss van Gaal, though, nevertheless opted to call on the 28-year-old to join his squad in Qatar, in the hopes of Depay recovering fitness in time to play a central role.
Such an appearance will not come from the off on opening day, however.
This comes with van Gaal having confirmed that Depay’s ongoing fitness woes mean he will not be ready to start against Senegal.
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