Netherlands suffer huge blow on the eve of Euro 2024 as one of their top stars is forced to pull out with injury

The Netherlands have suffered a massive injury blow just days before the start of Euro 2024.

Ronald Koeman's side completed their pre-tournament warm-ups on Monday by doing what England failed to and comfortably defeating Iceland in a friendly.

Xavi Simons, Virgil van Dijk, Donyell Malen, and Wout Weghorst scored in a 4-0 win in Rotterdam with their tournament opener just six days away.

However, they have been dealt a crushing blow after a top star revealed he has been unable to return to fitness in time for the tournament and will now miss out entirely.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been on the sidelines after picking up a ankle injury against Real Madrid back in April.

Despite the setback, the 27-year-old was still named in Koeman's final 26-man squad last week, with the manager hoping the midfielder would be able to return in time for their final group stage match.

Koeman buoyed Dutch hopes over the weekend by revealing De Jong had trained with his international teammates, albeit without any contact.

On Monday however, the one-time Manchester United transfer target took to social media to reveal that he would not feature in Germany.

'I'm sad and disappointed that I won't make it to the European Championships.' De Jong wrote on Instagram. 

'We've been doing a lot for it the past few weeks, but my ankle needs more time unfortunately. 

'It's a dream and greatest honor to represent our country in a final tournament. Wearing the orange shirt, singing the Wilhelmus and feeling the support of the entire country. 

'But now I will, like the entire orange legion, cheer for our team from the sidelines. Let’s go boys.'

As part of Group E, the Netherlands' Euro 2024 campaign will get underway on Sunday when they face Poland at the Volksparkstadion.

They will then take on pre-tournament favourites France on June 21, before rounding out the group stage against Austria the following week.