Frenkie de Jong is expected to make his return for the Netherlands in their Nations League clash against Hungary, but is a long way off from reaching his "peak" level.
Those were the words of Ronald Koeman, who called up the Barcelona midfielder for the first time in 14 months after his struggles with an ankle injury.
De Jong has made seven appearances for Barca in all competitions this season, but was substituted in their 1-0 defeat to Real Sociedad.
The 27-year-old was replaced by Dani Olmo at half-time on Sunday after sustaining a knock, though Koeman confirmed it was not a serious issue.
"I got in touch pretty quickly. Then it became clear that it wasn't about his ankle," Koeman said.
"It was already stated somewhere that it was about his shin, so it wasn't a problem then either.
"We assume that he can play on Saturday. But it is possible that he will have to train individually tomorrow. But we will see that tomorrow."
However, Koeman said that despite his recent return to the pitch, De Jong is yet to return to being the player that helped the Netherlands finish runners-up in the 2018-19 Nations League.
"It's clear that he's been out for a long time and hasn't played a whole game yet. So yes, then you're not at your peak yet. Let's put it that way.
"But it's so important for us that he's there."
De Jong was one of three players to return to Koeman's ranks, alongside PSV Eindhoven's Noa Lang and Ajax's Devyne Rensch, but there was no place for Memphis Depay.
Depay featured in all six of the Netherlands' fixtures at Euro 2024, notching one goal and one assist in their run to the semi-finals of the competition.
The 30-year-old recently joined Brazilian outfit Corinthians and has scored three goals in 10 appearances for his new club.
However, Koeman explained the reasoning behind his omission was due to his fitness, but kept the door open for a return to the squad next year.
“Memphis is not good enough and fit enough in my opinion,” he added. "If there is one player I have regular contact with, it is Memphis. We have talked about his situation.
"If he continues like this, he will come into the picture in March. He probably finds it a shame now that he is not in the squad, and maybe he did not expect to be left out either.
"Memphis is getting fitter, that is clear. But I will decide the moment when he returns.”
The Netherlands welcome Hungary to the Johan Cruijff Arena this Saturday before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina three days later.
Koeman's side sit second in Group A3 with five points from their four games, and know that two victories will seal their progression to the quarter-finals of the competition.
Bayern Munich 4-2 Heidenheim: Musiala stars as leaders pull further ahead
Jamal Musiala came off the bench to score twice as Bundesliga leaders defeated visitors Heidenheim 4-2 to maintain their unbeaten start.
Vincent Kompany's side, who suffered a 1-0 cup defeat to Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, were without the injured Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer and Serge Gnabry for the home contest.
And the Bavarians got off to a good start when an unmarked Dayot Upamecano headed in the opener in the 19th minute.
But Upamecano's defensive error five minutes into the second half allowed Mathias Honsak to latch on to his poor back pass and fire past Daniel Peretz to make it 1-1.
However, Musiala, introduced straight after that goal, took just five minutes to make an impact as the 21-year-old's low drive from the edge of the box restored Bayern's lead.
Another Bayern substitute, Leon Goretzka, then added a third with a deflected shot in the 84th minute before Heidenheim pulled a goal back through a Niclas Doresch tap-in.
Musiala then settled the nerves for the hosts as he ran onto a through ball from his own half before scoring in the stoppage time to make it 4-2 with his eighth league goal of the season.
The result sees Bayern extend their lead at the top to six points over second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, while Heidenheim remain in 16th place.
Data Debrief: Bayern can't stop scoring
Bayern Munich have now scored in each of their last 20 games in the Bundesliga, scoring an incredible 57 goals during that run.
They are also the only side to have scored in each of the 13 games in the German top-flight this season.
Kompany's side, who are unbeaten after 13 games in the Bundesliga, have now matched their last joint longest unbeaten streak, which ran from May 2023 to November 2023.
Heidenheim, meanwhile, have lost five games on the trot now - their longest losing streak in the league since at least the 2004/2005 season.
Reggae Boyz and West Ham's striker Michail Antonio involved in motor vehicle accident
Jamaica's Reggae Boy and West Ham United striker, Michail Antonio, was involved in a road traffic accident on Saturday, the Premier League club confirmed in a statement.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Michail, his family, and friends at this time," West Ham said in a brief message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Details regarding the severity of the incident remain unclear, with the club promising to provide further updates in due course.
"West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident. The club will issue an update in due course," the statement read.
The news has sparked concern among fans and the footballing community, with many offering their own messages of support for the player, who has been a key figure for both club and country.
As more information becomes available, supporters of the 34-year-old forward, known for his contributions on and off the field, will be hoping for a positive outcome.
Gimenez a doubt for Sevilla clash, says Atletico boss Simeone
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has revealed Jose Maria Gimenez could be a doubt for his side's LaLiga meeting with Sevilla on Sunday.
The 29-year-old suffered an ankle injury in training on Friday and Simeone said he will take a late call on the defender's involvement in the home contest.
Gimenez has been a bedrock in defence as Atletico go into the game on the back of four consecutive victories in the Spanish top flight. They have also won eight in a row across all competitions.
"We'll see," Simeone said when asked about an update on Gimenez.
"When he wakes up [on Sunday], he'll say he's ready to play because we know him. From there, we'll assess."
Gimenez has appeared in all but two of their 15 LaLiga matches this season, with Simeone's side third with 32 points.
Atletico defeated Cacereno 3-1 in the second round of Copa del Rey on Thursday and they have now scored 14 goals and conceded just once in their last three matches.
"There are always different moments in the season and now we are trying to take care of the run we have," Simeone said ahead of the Sevilla clash.
Ahead of the meeting in Madrid, Simeone was also full of praise for Rodrigo De Paul, who has one goal and three assists in the league.
"He has absolutely everything, and he has shown it in recent games," the Atletico boss said.
"He competes in all the arenas, whether it is the Champions League or the cup, as he should and as the people of Atleti want.
"He knows what the fans expect from him, and hopefully he can maintain this level because he has what it takes. We are going to demand the maximum from him because he occupies a position that requires a lot of demands."
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