De Jong to miss yet another match for the Netherlands

Frenkie de Jong will miss the Netherlands’ Nations League group decider against Germany on Monday after a back problem cut short his return to international action. His absence is a setback for the Dutch side, who need to secure one of the group’s two quarter-final places.

The 29-year-old Barcelona midfielder missed the campaign’s first four matches through injury before returning against Greece on Friday, when he captained the team in a 7-0 win. He was substituted at half-time after reporting back pain, and the Dutch FA said no replacement would be called up, leaving a 23-player squad for Berlin. The Netherlands lead Group A2 with 11 points, while Greece and Germany have eight each.