‘Drop out’ – Injury forces Aston Villa player to withdraw from November’s international break

Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen won’t be involved with the Netherlands U21 during the ongoing international break.

Jong Oranje manager Michael Reiziger included the left-back in his squad to face Slovakia U21 and England U21 this month.

The Dutch football association have confirmed on their official website that the Aston Villa player had to ‘drop out’ of the squad due to an injury.

The 22-year-old and Excelsior goalkeeper Calvin Raatsie have withdrawn from the squad for the two friendlies. Due to their unavailability, Reiziger has already called up players to replace the injured duo.

At the weekend, Maatsen came off the bench in Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. The details of the Dutchman’s setback aren’t specified and there could be more updates on this case, once he returns to the Premier League side.

The fullback was called up the Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, for the Euros and during last month’s international break. However, he’s yet to make his debut for the senior team.

Maatsen joined the Villans from Chelsea in the summer window. Unai Emery has used him mainly as a substitute in the league, clocking in 153 minutes from nine Premier League matches.