Smit misses Jong Oranje return and multiple AZ matches after setback

Smit suffered a setback in his recovery and will miss multiple weeks, including AZ's upcoming fixtures and Jong Oranje's return qualifier against Denmark.

Kees Smit has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury. The AZ midfielder was already absent from Jong Oranje's 3-0 Euro qualifier win over Denmark on Friday and will now miss the return fixture on Tuesday.

AZ confirmed the setback after Smit reported to the national team's training base in Zeist on Monday but was sent back to Alkmaar to continue his rehabilitation. He will miss multiple AZ matches across the coming weeks, including league games against Sparta Rotterdam, PEC Zwolle, PSV, and NEC, as well as Europa League ties against Sparta Prague and Sturm Graz. The exact date of his return remains unclear.