Soccer-Netherlands attacker Lang to miss Norway friendly after surgery


FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - European Qualifiers - Group G - Netherlands v Malta - Euroborg Stadion, Groningen, Netherlands - June 10, 2025 Netherlands' Noa Lang in action with Malta's Joseph Mbong REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

AMSTERDAM, March 24 (Reuters) - ⁠Netherlands attacker Noa Lang will miss ⁠Friday's friendly against Norway after having ‌surgery on his hand but could return for their match against Ecuador next week, the team said.

Lang ​misses the first of the ⁠two World Cup ⁠warm-ups after suffering a deep cut to ⁠his right ‌thumb during Galatasaray's Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield ⁠last Wednesday, the Dutch football association confirmed.

The ​26-year-old's ‌hand was trapped between two advertising boards ⁠in a ​freak accident and was operated on at an English hospital.

While Friday's match in Amsterdam ⁠comes too soon for Lang, ​Dutch medical staff expect him to be available for the friendly against Ecuador in Eindhoven, ⁠media reports on Tuesday said.

The Netherlands already have a long list of injuries as they prepare for the World Cup ​with Frenkie de Jong, ⁠Matthijs de Ligt, Memphis Depay, Emmanuel Emegha, ​Justin Kluivert and back-up goalkeeper ‌Robin Roefs all unavailable ​this month.

(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Taufiq shares fans' disappointment over Malaysia's ranking drop
Soccer-Australia midfielder Robertson says Socceroos allegiance never wavered
Soccer-Dutch connection gives Suriname another chance at World Cup qualification
Soccer-Madrid's Mbappe fit and ready to play every game before World Cup
Soccer-Trossard out of Belgium squad along with Vanaken
Soccer-Dutch doubt over Depay for World Cup warm-up matches
Soccer-Wembley concerts force Community Shield switch to Cardiff
Soccer-Gattuso prioritises mental issues over tactics as Italy face World Cup playoff
The roar goes on
No regrets as Harimau Malaya coach backs selection calls

Others Also Read