Bayer Leverkusen’s right-back, Jeremie Frimpong, has been excluded from the Netherlands squad as a disciplinary measure, according to coach Ronald Koeman.
Koeman unveiled his lineup for the forthcoming Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Greece and Ireland but notably omitted the 22-year-old, despite his impressive performances for Leverkusen.
When questioned about the decision on Monday, Koeman confirmed that it was a consequence of Frimpong’s failure to respond to a call-up for Under-21 duty, as per the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) guidelines.
Koeman said at a press conference: “We’re not happy with him pulling out of the Under-21s; we think he should always be available. But in the KNVB, we have said that he is not available for this period. That is your duty as a player: to play for any team… You can see it as a kind of punishment.”
Frimpong is yet to make his debut for the Oranje senior team and has not been called up to the squad since late last year. The ex-Celtic and Manchester City player has featured six times for Jong Oranje, but was not part of the team for their last six matches.