Malen Withdraws From Netherlands Squad After Roma Knee Issue

Overview

• The Netherlands officially announced on September 20 that Donyell Malen has withdrawn from their Nations League squad because of a physical problem and will miss at least the opening fixture against Germany on September 24.
• OnsOranje named Mexx Meerdink and Guus Til as replacements for Malen and fellow withdrawer Justin Kluivert, updating Xavi’s first Oranje squad ahead of matches with Germany, Serbia and Greece.
• Netherlands coach Xavi said the injury "is not too bad" and that he believes Malen is okay, while Roma have signalled cautious optimism about his short-term fitness.
• Italian media reports, citing Corriere dello Sport, describe the issue as right-knee fatigue but provide limited medical detail and no definitive timetable for a full recovery.
• Malen’s withdrawal matters to Roma because he has been one of Europe’s most prolific forwards since joining the club and his absence could disrupt Roma’s early-season momentum and the Netherlands’ attacking plans during the break.