Xavi counts on fit Brobbey and wants to give Malen confidence to score for Netherlands too

Xavi backs Brobbey to feature despite recent hamstring injury and wants to give Malen confidence to score for the Netherlands in Nations League matches against Greece and Germany.

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández is confident Brian Brobbey will be available for the Nations League fixtures against Greece (13 November, 20:45) and Germany (16 November, 20:45) despite a recent hamstring injury. Xavi watched Brobbey play for Sunderland in their 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday and said the striker "feels good" after their conversation, though more will be known about his fitness on Monday.

Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris had expressed concerns about Brobbey's condition and wanted to discuss his availability with the Dutch FA, fearing re-injury could harm both club and country. However, Xavi said no such conversation took place, emphasizing that protecting players is the priority.

Xavi also aims to restore confidence in Donyell Malen, who has scored 22 goals in Serie A this year but failed to score in seven Netherlands appearances. "The best thing we can do is give Donyell confidence and explain what we expect from him," Xavi said.

"I see him as a striker. That position he knows well." Mexx Meerdink provides backup, while Memphis Depay remains excluded. Xavi also left out Lazio midfielder Kenneth Taylor, citing the return of Justin Kluivert and Frenkie de Jong to fitness.