Netherlands coach plays down Malen knee concern: 'the injury isn't serious'
Donyell Malen, who has been in strong form for Roma, withdrew from the Netherlands squad late in the window due to a knee problem. National team coach Xavi publicly downplayed the severity of the issue, saying he believes Malen is 'fine' and that the injury is not serious, while stopping short of giving a recovery timeline. There is a hint of friction in Xavi's remarks, framed in Italian press as a subtle jab at a player who said no at the last moment. The episode leaves Malen's availability for Roma's upcoming Serie A fixtures under a cloud until more detail emerges.
Read the full story at football-italia.netRoma supporters will be watching the next medical update on Donyell Malen closely after he was forced out of Netherlands duty with a knee complaint, but the national team coach's public reassurance that the problem is minor offers some comfort. The exchange carries a small undercurrent of tension, with the Oranje boss pointedly noting the late withdrawal while still defending the player's condition. For a Roma side leaning on Malen's recent scoring form, the club will want a swift resolution before the next Serie A assignment.
Context added by Socc360, not by football-italia.net.
Data source: football-italia.net (via Socc360). Last updated .
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