Sunderland Striker Brian Brobbey will be replaced in the Netherlands squad for their remaining matches during the international break after he was injured in the 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw with Germany.
Brobbey was sent off in the 35th minute after being pulled up with a non-contact injury, allowing Germany to score a controversial opener when Felix Nmecha fired over while lying on the turf.
Cody Gakpo earned a point for the Oranje with a stoppage-time equaliser, but Brobbey will now miss the next three games, which see Xavi’s men face Serbia twice and face Greece away, with Sunderland facing a nervous wait to learn the extent of the injury.
Xavi didn’t give much detail after the game, simply saying: “Someone is joining (the squad), but we don’t know who yet.”
A posting on X (formerly Twitter) from Sunderland Read: “Brian Brobbey was sent off in the first half as the Netherlands grabbed a late point against Germany. I wish you a speedy recovery Brian.”
Brobbey was instrumental in Sunderland’s impressive return to the Premier League last season. After signing from Ajax, Brobbey scored seven goals as the Black Cats finished seventh in the table to secure a place in the Europa League.
Last Sunday he scored a hat-trick as Sunderland lost an eight-goal thriller at leaders Manchester City 5-3.
This hat-trick made him the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick for a losing side since Roque Santa Cruz for Blackburn Rovers in December 2007.
A major injury to their attacking focal point would leave Sunderland with no options up front. Wilson Isidor is Brobbey’s main back-up and is tipped for an extended run in the side if the problem is serious.
Sunderland are back in action on October 10 when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris’ men have picked up four points from their first five games.