Man Utd star receives surprise late call-up to national team after injury blow

Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee has not started a game for Man Utd this season (Photo: Getty)

Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee has received a late call up to the Netherlands national team following Brian Brobbey’s injury.

Sunderland striker Brobbey suffered a hamstring injury during the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Germany in the Nations League on Thursday night.

He was not the only casualty from the match, as German forward Kai Havertz also came off hurt, in what could prove to be a major blow for Arsenal.

It’s hugely concerning news for both Oranje and Sunderland supporters as Brobbey is a key player for country and club, notably scoring a hat-trick against Manchester City last Sunday.

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While new Dutch manager Xavi was unable to give much of an update after the game, he did confirm the 24-year-old would have to leave the camp early and that a replacement would be called-up to the squad.

That replacement has turned out to be Zirkzee, who last played for his country nearly two years ago as a result of his struggling form for United.

A £36.5million signing from Bologna, the forward has recorded just nine goals and four assists in 79 games for the Red Devils.

Brian Brobbey
Brian Brobbey suffered a hamstring as the Netherlands drew with Germany (Photo: Getty)

His four appearances this season have all been late cameos off the bench, making his international call-up somewhat of a surprise.

The 25-year-old, who has six caps and one goal for his country, was expected to leave Old Trafford last summer but stayed put despite interest from Juventus and Everton.

Over the extended international break, the Netherlands face away games against Serbia and Greece before a home clash against Serbia.

Zirkzee lasted played for the Netherlands in November 24 (Photo: Getty)

United return to action on October 10 when they face win-less Tottenham.

On the same day, Sunderland, with or without Brobbey, are back in action too as they host in-form Brighton and the Stadium of Light.

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