Dutch star De Jong a doubt for World Cup clash with Sweden

Key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is a doubt for the Netherlands’ World Cup group match against free-scoring Sweden on Saturday after colliding with a team-mate, coach Ronald Koeman said.

Speaking on the eve of the clash in Houston, Koeman said Barcelona star De Jong was hurt in a collision with fellow midfielder Quinten Timber.

Timber, who came on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Japan in Texas, is definitely out with mild concussion.

Koeman bristled when asked to give more details, particularly over the precise injury De Jong suffered.

De Jong played the whole of Sunday’s entertaining stalemate with Japan.

“There was a collision which caused a light concussion, so Quinten will not play this match. After this match, he might be ready,” former international defender Koeman said Friday.

“But Frenkie also had minor complaints about his physical condition… let’s see how he will be tomorrow.”

Asked where the injury was for De Jong, who has 67 caps for his country, Koeman would only say it was “below his abdomen”.

An irritated Koeman, who was criticised by sections of the Dutch media for his substitutions against Japan, added when pushed again: “Quinten tripped and this caused an injury for Frenkie.

“I have already explained quite a lot about his injury.”

Sweden started their campaign with a 5-1 hammering of Tunisia.