AZ duo withdraw from U21s; Reiziger calls up Ajax keeper Heerkens

AZ pair Goes and Owusu-Oduro withdraw due to fitness; Reiziger calls up Ajax keeper Heerkens and Groningen defender Blokzijl for U21 Euro playoff.

Wouter Goes and Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro have withdrawn from the Netherlands U21 squad for the upcoming internationals, citing insufficient fitness. Coach Michael Reiziger has called up Ajax goalkeeper Joeri Heerkens and FC Groningen defender Thijmen Blokzijl as replacements.

Heerkens' call-up is notable given his limited impact at Jong Ajax this season, while Blokzijl has been selected for the U21s previously. The squad news comes as the Netherlands U21 prepare for a crucial week: they face Denmark U21 in the Euro 2027 qualifying play-offs. The first leg takes place on Friday 13 November at 18:30 in Vejle, with the return fixture on Tuesday 17 November at 18:30 in Almere.