FIFA World Cup: Frenkie de Jong injury rocks Netherlands before Sweden meeting

Dutch manager Ronald Koeman confirmed that De Jong was struggling with a minor complaint and would need to prove his fitness before Saturday's clash in Houston.

"Frenkie also has minor complaints about his physical condition," Koeman said. "He did practice with other players, but let's see how he will be tomorrow. It is not clear. It is a question mark."

The Barcelona midfielder's potential absence would add to Koeman's selection problems after defender Quinten Timber was ruled out following a concussion suffered during training after an accidental collision with teammate Teun Koopmeiners.

Koeman explained: "There was a collision which caused light concussion experienced by Quinten, so he will not play this match. After this match, he might be ready."

The Netherlands enter the Sweden fixture under pressure after opening their World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against Japan. They need a victory to improve their position in Group F, while Sweden arrive with confidence after a dominant 5-1 win over Tunisia.

Despite De Jong's fitness concerns, Koeman continues to back the midfielder and highlighted areas where he could make an even bigger impact for the team.

"I spoke to Frenkie after the game and I think he is doing a lot of things right," Koeman said. "Tactically he is a very clever player."

However, the Dutch coach believes De Jong can become more dangerous in attacking situations.

"When we are in offence, he needs to get out there," Koeman added. "Sometimes he stays too low on the pitch and sometimes he could perform an action forward because then he is really fast."

Koeman insisted De Jong remained an important part of his plans, saying it would be wrong to suggest the midfielder should be dropped.

The Netherlands' remaining Group F fixtures are matches against Sweden and Tunisia, with their progress to the knockout stages depending heavily on results in the final games.

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