Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is being monitored closely ahead of the Netherlands' World Cup opener after training separately from the squad due to a hip injury.
The 23-year-old has been working away from the main group during preparations for Sunday's clash with Japan, creating a degree of uncertainty around his availability for the start of the tournament.
Despite the concern, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has attempted to calm fears and remains hopeful his first-choice goalkeeper will be fit in time.
Verbruggen training individually
Reports from the Netherlands camp indicate Verbruggen did not participate fully with his teammates during training on Wednesday.
Instead, the Brighton goalkeeper completed an individual programme at the KC Current training complex as medical staff continue to assess the issue.
The injury has been described as a hip contusion, although the exact severity remains unclear.
While separate training sessions are often precautionary at major tournaments, the situation is naturally attracting attention given Verbruggen's importance to the Dutch side.
Having followed his development at Brighton, the goalkeeper has become one of the most reliable performers in Ronald Koeman's squad and is widely expected to start whenever fit.
Koeman plays down concerns
The Netherlands coach sought to reassure supporters when asked about the situation.
"It's a bruise, it could have been worse," Koeman explained.
The Dutch manager confirmed the issue is being evaluated on a daily basis but stopped short of suggesting there was any major threat to Verbruggen's participation.
Those comments indicate cautious optimism rather than serious alarm.
With several days remaining before the opening fixture, the Netherlands medical staff appear determined not to take unnecessary risks.
Backup options ready
Should Verbruggen fail to recover in time, Koeman still has experienced alternatives available.
Both Robin Roefs and Mark Flekken are part of the squad and could step into the starting lineup if required.
Roefs, in particular, arrives at the World Cup with considerable confidence after an outstanding debut campaign with Sunderland.
His emergence provides the Netherlands with reassurance and reduces any temptation to rush Verbruggen back before he is fully ready.
That depth may prove important during a demanding tournament schedule.
Crucial group stage ahead
The Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on Sunday before facing Sweden on June 20.
Their final Group F fixture comes against Tunisia six days later.
Given the compressed schedule, managing player fitness will be a priority throughout the tournament.
Even if Verbruggen misses the opening match, there would still be opportunities for him to return later in the group stage.
At this stage, however, Koeman appears hopeful that such contingency plans will not be required.
Key Points
- Bart Verbruggen trained separately from the Netherlands squad.
- The Brighton goalkeeper is dealing with a hip contusion.
- Ronald Koeman remains optimistic about his availability.
- The Netherlands face Japan in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
- Robin Roefs and Mark Flekken are available as alternatives.
What’s Next
The Netherlands medical team will continue monitoring Verbruggen's condition throughout the week before making a final decision on his involvement against Japan.
Koeman's comments suggest confidence remains relatively high, but the decision is unlikely to be rushed given the length of the tournament and the quality of the backup options available.
For Brighton supporters, the priority will simply be seeing their goalkeeper emerge from the World Cup without any long-term complications.
Should the Netherlands risk starting Bart Verbruggen if he is not fully fit, or would giving him extra recovery time be the smarter decision?
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