Dutch lose another big name as Greece looms
Netherlands has been dealt another injury blow, with Jan Paul van Hecke the latest to withdraw from the squad and return to his club.
It was confirmed on Thursday (AEST) that Van Hecke would return to Tottenham Hotspur for further treatment for an issue he sustained against Serbia on Monday (AEST).
Van Hecke had started both of 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 window, 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."
It is the latest in a string of injuries for Netherlands, which has 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 the injuries.
Netherlands' win over Serbia last time out was Xavi's first as coach, and it now turn its attention to Greece, which currently sits top of Group A2 after it secured a shock 1-0 victory over Jurgen Klopp's Germany.
But Xavi is not going into Friday's (AEST) clash with any fear.
"We cannot be afraid of Greece; we do have respect," he said.
"They are doing well. They have a lot of talent, especially in the forward line. But it will be difficult."
Jan Paul van Hecke
Netherlands
