Netherlands face World Cup chaos as flu outbreak hits squad ahead of USA last-16 clash | Football | Sport

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal could be sweating over the availability of some of his key players ahead of Saturday’s World Cup last-16 clash against the USA. The Dutch camp has been hit by a flu outbreak, likely due to the extreme air conditioning in Qatar, with crucial midfielder Frenkie de Jong among those affected.

On Friday, the eve of the World Cup knockout stages, Van Gaal confirmed that several squad members are struggling with ‘flu symptoms’. He insisted he wouldn’t say anything further, but admitted the prospect of the illness spreading around the camp was ‘worrying’.

He told NOS: “We are not going to elaborate on that. But if it goes around in the group, it is worrying.” When asked how many players were hit with the flu, Van Gaal played down the current impact, replying: “There are not fifteen or so. In principle, everyone is fit and available.”

However, the Netherlands didn’t play their traditional 11-on-11 in training, and the 71-year-old was coy on whether the illness spreading around his stars had contributed to the decision. “I gave them a day of rest. With this group, they communicate that to me. I listen to my players,” Van Gaal explained.

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AD report that De Jong and Marten de Roon are among the players not feeling well. Both players had previously suggested there weren’t at 100 per cent in a press conference. De Jong said: “I have a bit of a cold, and my throat is a bit bothering me. But that’s not a problem. I can just play.”

De Roon, who sounded under the weather, jokingly added: “I have a bit of a cold, but otherwise, I feel fine. I think I played too close to him.” Whether either player will be available to face the USA on Saturday remains to be seen.

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