Gravenberch axed from Netherlands World Cup squad

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been left out of the Dutch squad for this month’s World Cup in Qatar.

The Netherlands will also be without Roma midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been ruled out with a tibia fracture.

This will be the first World Cup for captain Virgil van Dijk as the Dutch failed to qualify for the 2018 edition.

Louis van Gaal’s side have been drawn with hosts Qatar, Ecuador, and Senegal in Group A.

The Netherlands have never managed to win football’s top prize, having the lost in the final on three occasions – 1974, 1978, and 2010.

The World Cup starts on Nov. 20 and the final will be played on Dec. 18.

The Dutch begin their campaign against Senegal on Nov. 21.

- Squad

Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Andries Noppert (Heerenveen), Remko Pasveer (Ajax)

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Jurrien Timber (Ajax), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven), Xavi Simons (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards: Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Vincent Janssen (Antwerp), Luuk de Jong (PSV Eindhoven), Noa Lang (Club Brugge), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas)