The defensive midfielder has been a huge part of the Dutch’s progress to the quarter-finals but he will miss the remainder after injuring his groin against Mexico
Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong will miss the remainder of the World Cup after sustaining a groin injury in Sunday’s match against Mexico.
The AC Milan midfielder was withdrawn from his side’s last 16 clash with Mexico with less than 10 minutes played in Fortaleza on Monday, after which coach Louis Van Gaal admitted the 29-year-old’s tournament could be over.
And on Tuesday the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed he would play no further part in Brazil and could be on the sidelines for up to a month.
“An MRI examination at the hospital confirmed that Nigel de Jong has suffered with a tear in his groin muscle. The 75-times capped international is therefore ruled out for two-to-four weeks,” read a statement on the national team website.
“De Jong, who last Sunday in the last 16 match against Mexico was injured after nine minutes, will remain with the team in Brazil to work on his rehabilitation.”
Netherlands continue their campaign for their first ever World Cup crown when they travel to Salvador on Saturday for a quarter-final clash with Costa Rica.
Louis van Gaal’s men reached the final four years ago only to lose to Spain in extra-time, with De Jong’s role as midfield enforcer memorably encapsulated by his ‘karate kick’ on Xabi Alonso which he somehow did not get sent off for.
