Brentford defender Sepp van den Berg will have to wait for his senior Netherlands debut after being left out of the matchday squad for Friday's UEFA Nations League clash against Greece.
The 24-year-old received his first call-up earlier this week after Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk withdrew from international duty.
However, Van den Berg is the only player omitted from the Netherlands' 24-man group for the match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam.
The decision means he cannot make his international debut against Greece, although he remains in contention for Monday's meeting with Germany.
Xavi omits Van den Berg from Greece matchday squad
Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández had 24 players available for Friday's Nations League fixture.
According to the matchday selection reported from UEFA's official information, Van den Berg is the player who has been left out.
The defender trained with the squad on Thursday but will watch the Greece match from the sidelines.
His omission comes just three days after he received his first senior international call-up.
Van den Berg was drafted into the Netherlands squad on Tuesday following the withdrawals of Van Dijk and Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.
Both players had been deemed insufficiently fit to participate in the November internationals.
The Brentford centre-back subsequently joined the squad in Zeist, giving Xavi an additional defensive option.
However, he must now wait for another opportunity to make his first senior appearance.
Brentford defender could feature against Germany
Van den Berg's selection represents an important milestone following his emergence as a Premier League defender.
The former Liverpool youngster has previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, including eight appearances for the Under-21 side.
His route to Brentford included loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke and Mainz before he established himself in English football.
This season, a groin injury disrupted his early appearances, although he has since returned to action for Brentford.
His first senior call-up nevertheless demonstrates that he remains in Xavi's plans despite the interruption.
The Netherlands face Greece on Friday evening before travelling to Berlin for their final Nations League group-stage fixture against Germany on Monday.
Xavi could change his matchday selection for that game, potentially offering Van den Berg another chance to make his debut.
Key Points
- Van den Berg has been omitted from the Netherlands squad to face Greece.
- The Brentford defender received his first senior call-up after Van Dijk withdrew.
- He could still make his international debut against Germany on Monday.
What's Next?
The Netherlands face Germany in Berlin on 16 November, with Van den Berg hoping to earn a place in Xavi's matchday squad.
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