Noa Lang to Miss Netherlands' Friendly Against Norway Following Freak Hand Injury Surgery

The Netherlands national team will have to cope without the services of forward Noa Lang for their friendly international against Norway this Friday, after the 26-year-old underwent surgery for a freak hand injury.

Lang, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, suffered the unusual injury during a Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield. His hand became trapped between two advertising boards in a bizarre incident, leading to him being carried off the pitch. He received treatment at a hospital on Merseyside and later reassured fans on social media with the caption, "s*** happens."

Despite the mishap occurring just two days before his call-up to Ronald Koeman's 26-man squad last Friday, Lang was initially included. However, the surgery means he will miss the clash at Johan Cruyff Arena, marking the Netherlands' first meeting with Norway since a 2-0 World Cup qualifier win in 2021.

Lang could potentially feature in the following friendly against Ecuador next Tuesday, as the Oranje gear up for their FIFA World Cup Group F opener against Japan on June 14.

The Dutch squad is already dealing with several injury concerns. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Atletico Madrid's Memphis Depay is racing to prove his fitness. Defenders Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal are also nursing injuries. Additionally, Emmanuel Emegha, Justin Kluivert, and backup goalkeeper Robin Roefs are unavailable for the international window.