Malen withdraws from Netherlands squad through injury

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Donyell Malen has withdrawn from the Netherlands’ squad for their upcoming Nations League matches.

Malen has been in red-hot form for Roma in Serie A so far this season, and despite playing the full 90 minutes against Inter on Saturday, he will not represent his country due to injury.

It has not been specified what Malen’s issue is, but he is one of two withdrawals, with Justin Kluivert also pulling out.

Since his Serie A debut on January 18, Malen has scored 20 goals in 23 appearances, at least twice as many as any other player in the competition in that period (Tasos Douvikas and Lautaro Martinez are next with 10).

Across Europe’s big five leagues, he has scored more than any other player (Harry Kane and Raphinha have 18).

Mexx Meerdink and Guus Til replace Donyell Malen and Justin Kluivert in our squad.

Get well soon, Donyell & Justin pic.twitter.com/5mINfuK5Ve

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 20, 2026

Malen has already netted six goals in Serie A this term, more than any other player, over-performing his 4.6 expected goals (xG).

He has also had more shots on target (10) than any other player and currently boasts a 57.5 minutes per goal rate in the Italian top-flight.

Xavi Hernandez, who is taking charge of the Netherlands for the first time during this extended international break, has called up Guus Til and Mexx Meerdink as replacements.

The Netherlands face Germany in their opening Nations League match on September 24, before facing Serbia away and at home on either side of their clash with Greece.

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