De Jong out of Holland trip

October 06, 2009

Nigel de Jong

MANCHESTER City's midfielder enforcer Nigel de Jong has pulled out of the Holland squad for their friendly against Australia.

De Jong picked up an injury during Manchester City's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Aston Villa and will therefore not make the long trip to play in Sydney on Saturday.

Holland are assured of a place in the World Cup finals next summer after finishing top of qualifying Group Nine.

Meanwhile, City boss Mark Hughes revealed that Barry ended the game with a stiff back but does not believe he will be doubtful for England’s World Cup qualifiers with Ukraine and Belarus.

He said: “Gareth had a stiff back at the end but I don’t think he’s a doubt for England.

“We will send him along and get him checked by England but I don’t think he’s a doubt.”

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proudtobeblue (06/10/2009 at 11:40)

glad about this to be honest.....last thing we want is players travelling silly distances for a meaningless friendly and coming back tired.

The Wright-Phillips Show, A Football Ground Near You (06/10/2009 at 12:01)

proudtobeblue,
6/10/2009 at 11:40

Agreed, nice problem to have in some ways though as it does show our squad is in demand internationally which is better than it not being.

Pie in the Sky, Manchester (06/10/2009 at 12:57)

Is Tevez travelling with the Argentina team?

At least Robinho will be at home (in England I hope) recovering.

Batmanho, Robinhos big brother, Bat Cave, Brazil (06/10/2009 at 13:40)

Nice one Nige! I thought he looked to be limping as came off last night. This lad is quality!

Andrew Shaw (06/10/2009 at 14:08)

At least he doesn't have to travel right round the world for a ridiculous friendly. Quite honestly, most of these squads, including the Australians have most of their players based in Europe so they should do what Brazil have done and play all their games over here. The Australians have done it in the past and there are regular international's at Brentford FC down the road from us. If they have to play these meaningless games, then it makes far more sense.

Blue Duke, Sydney Australia (07/10/2009 at 04:19)

As someone living in Sydney and going to the game, I'm a little bummed not to be seeing De Jong come out and play.
I agree about the long trip being a bit pointless for a friendly, but not all of live in Europe and we want the game to expand in this nation, so big ticket european teams visiting is vital for that to happen.
Most of the European players for the Socceroos are coming over because we also have an Asian Cup qualifier midweek following the Dutch game.

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