Probable Netherlands line-up: difficult choice for Xavi in defence

The Netherlands resume their Nations League campaign at home to Greece on Friday. Xavi must replace injured captain Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey in his line-up. The match at the Johan Cruyff ArenA kicks off at 20:45 and will be shown live on NPO3.

After Van Dijk and Brobbey withdrew from the Netherlands squad on Monday, Xavi decided not to call up replacements for the defender and forward. He will face Greece with 23 players.

Bart Verbruggen has been superb for Brighton & Hove Albion and will start in goal for the Netherlands. Jurriën Timber's Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, and he will start at right-back. Denzel Dumfries misses out, with José Mourinho having kept him on the bench at Real Madrid.

With Micky van de Ven moving into the centre, Ian Maatsen starts on the left. Jan Paul van Hecke takes the other centre-back spot. The Netherlands came from 2-0 down away to Greece to claim a point (2-2).

Fit again after last playing for the Netherlands at the World Cup, Frenkie de Jong goes straight into the starting XI. Joey Veerman and Tijjani Reijnders complete the Dutch midfield in the ArenA on Friday.

Mexx Meerdink impressed during the previous international period, but Donyell Malen starts up front. Crysencio Summerville has become a certainty on the right, while Cody Gakpo must provide a threat from the left.

Predicted Netherlands starting XI: Verbruggen; Timber, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Maatsen; De Jong, Veerman, Reijnders; Summerville, Malen, Gakpo.