AZ midfielder Smit withdraws from Netherlands U21 Euro playoff squad

AZ midfielder Smit withdraws from Netherlands U21 Euro playoff squad, citing ongoing fitness recovery after recent injury.

Kees Smit has withdrawn from the Netherlands U21 squad for the Euro 2025 qualifying playoffs, despite being called up by coach Michael Reiziger. The AZ midfielder, 20, said in a joint decision with the club that he needs to continue his recovery and is not yet at full fitness.

Smit returned to action last week after injury, appearing as a substitute against Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday and again in AZ's Eredivisie win over FC Groningen on Sunday. He told NH: "I'm still building up. I want to be 100 per cent fit again, and I'm not there yet. That's why it's not wise to go there now."

Netherlands U21 face Denmark away on Friday and play at home in Almere four days later in the playoff double-header for a place at Euro 2025, which takes place in Albania and Serbia next summer. AZ will also be without winger Ayoub Oufkir for the playoffs after he received a call-up from Morocco.