The Dutch football association (KNVB) has called Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee into the Netherlands squad to replace Brian Brobbey, who was forced off injured in the first half of Thursday’s 1–1 UEFA Nations League draw with Germany in Amsterdam.
What the KNVB announced
In a statement published on OnsOranje on Friday 25 September 2026, the KNVB said Brobbey — the Sunderland centre-forward — left Thursday’s opener against Germany injured and will be replaced in the squad by Zirkzee. Brobbey is returning to his club. The federation did not publish a medical diagnosis beyond confirming the early exit.
Zirkzee will report to coach Xavi Hernández’s camp in Zeist on Friday evening and travels with the squad on Saturday to Belgrade for Sunday’s Nations League match against Serbia. After that fixture, the Netherlands still face Greece away and Serbia again at home later in this expanded international window.
Why the call-up matters
The move restores Zirkzee to Oranje for the first time since November 2024. The 25-year-old has six caps and one international goal; his most recent appearance was 77 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 19 November 2024. He was also in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad.
Thursday’s Amsterdam draw was Xavi’s first competitive night in charge, ending 1–1 after Cody Gakpo’s stoppage-time equaliser. Losing Brobbey so early in a four-match window leaves Xavi short of a recognised striking option unless Zirkzee settles quickly into the group.
What happens next
Zirkzee joins immediately for Sunday’s trip to Serbia, then remains available for the Greece and return Serbia fixtures later in the break. Brobbey’s further assessment sits with Sunderland. The Netherlands’ next competitive test is Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday.
The call-up continues a busy injury theme across this Nations League window, including Germany’s early departures after Kai Havertz’s muscle strain and Jamal Musiala’s thigh tear.