The Netherlands have a goalkeeper problem, and it arrived at the worst possible time. Bart Verbruggen, Ronald Koeman’s first-choice shot-stopper, picked up a hip injury during a 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan on June 9, leaving his availability for the World Cup opener against Japan hanging in the balance.
That match is scheduled for June 14 in Dallas. Which means the Dutch have roughly five days to get their most important defensive player right, or pivot to Plan B.
What happened to Verbruggen
The 23-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion keeper sustained the injury during what was supposed to be a low-stakes warm-up match.
Koeman described the injury as a bruise, noting it “could have been worse.” Verbruggen was ruled out of training on June 10 as the medical staff opted to manage the injury carefully rather than rush him back.
