Xavi: A shame for Netherlands to lose injured Van Hecke

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

Jan Paul van Hecke had to leave the Netherlands’ Nations League squad through injury, with Xavi saying it is a “shame” the team will be without the defender.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Van Hecke would return to Tottenham for further treatment for an issue he sustained against Serbia on Sunday.

Van Hecke had started both of the Netherlands’ matches so far, partnering Virgil van Dijk in defence to help the team to a 1-1 draw with Germany and a 2-1 win over Serbia.

But he will play no further part in this international break, despite Xavi admitting that he had tried to fight through it.

“He took a knock against Serbia,” Xavi said of Van Hecke. “He is a fighter, and he did try to keep going over the past few days.

“In training [on Wednesday], it became clear that the pain is too severe. That is a shame.

“But we still have 23 players left, and there are plenty of defenders among them.”

Jan Paul van Hecke won’t travel to Thessaloniki with the squad.

The defender got injured during the away game against Serbia and will return to Tottenham Hotspur.

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 30, 2026

It is the latest in a string of injuries for the Netherlands, who have already seen the likes of Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo among those to withdraw.

“It is the match schedule; you can’t do anything about it. You have to adapt,” Xavi added when asked about their injuries.

The Netherlands’ win over Serbia last time out was Xavi’s first, and they now turn their attention to Greece, who currently sit top of Group A2.

Last time out, Greece secured a shock 1-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp’s Germany, but Xavi is not going into Thursday’s clash with any fear.

“We cannot be afraid of Greece; we do have respect,” he said of their opponents.

“They are doing well. They have a lot of talent, especially in the forward line. But it will be difficult.”

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