Dutch National Team Still Not Complete During Training Ahead of World Cup Clash with Japan

Thursday saw another training session, with a fifteen-minute public viewing window. In Kansas City, it was immediately apparent that Verbruggen was still absent from training, leaving the Oranje with only two other goalkeepers: Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs. Flekken had replaced Verbruggen on Monday in the friendly against Uzbekistan, after Verbruggen was forced off the field following an aerial challenge that injured his hip.

Following Wednesday's press conference, Koeman was scheduled to meet with his three goalkeepers to outline the pecking order for the World Cup. Verbruggen is expected to be the first-choice keeper, provided he recovers and regains fitness from his injury in time. Flekken would then be second, with Roefs as the third option. Roefs made his debut in the farewell match against Algeria, which Koeman stated at the time was the sole reason the Sunderland goalie played. In recent months, the order has consistently been Verbruggen followed by Flekken.

On Sunday, June 14th, at 3:00 PM local time (10:00 PM in the Netherlands), the Dutch national team will face Japan. Koeman expressed confidence on Wednesday that Verbruggen would be fit in time for that match. The game will be played under extreme conditions in Dallas. The Oranje are currently still in Kansas City.