Jeremie Frimpong has been left out of the Netherlands squad for this summer’s World Cup in a surprise decision by Ronald Koeman.
The Liverpool wing-back was omitted from the 26-man squad despite being a regular inclusion since October 2023 whenever fit. Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo are the only Liverpool players selected.
Liverpool target Denzel Dumfries and Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber were preferred as the alternative right-back options.
Frimpong’s omission means he will now enjoy an extended summer break before reporting back to the AXA Training Centre for the start of Liverpool’s pre-season in early July.
The 25-year-old endured a difficult first season at Anfield after joining from Bayer Leverkusen. Recurring hamstring injuries caused him to miss 26 matches for club and country across five separate absences.
Jeremie Frimpong made 35 appearances for Liverpool, scoring two goals and providing two assists. By comparison, he scored five goals and registered 12 assists in 48 games during his final season at Leverkusen.
The Dutch international often appeared caught between positions at Liverpool, struggling to adapt as either a traditional right-back or a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right wing.
The Netherlands will play warm-up friendlies against Algeria on June 3 and Uzbekistan on June 8 ahead of the World Cup.
Koeman’s side are in Group F alongside Wataru Endo’s Japan, Alexander Isak’s Sweden and Tunisia. Van Dijk, Gravenberch and Gakpo are all expected to play key roles during the tournament.
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