Netherlands boss Koeman to make late decision on whether to cap-tie Zirkzee against Austria 

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman will make a late decision on whether to hand a competitive debut to Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee on Tuesday evening when his side face Austria in their final game in the group stage of the ongoing European Championship.

The Bayern Munich academy product watched proceedings from the bench as the 1988 European champions defeated Poland 2-1 in their opening game of the 2024 Euro and was also a non-playing substitute in the goalless draw with France.

There have been calls for the Manchester United and AC Milan-linked center forward to be named in the starting lineup in today's clash at the Olympiastadion Berlin, with Memphis Depay criticised for his performances in the first two games. 

However, Zirkzee has emerged as a fitness doubt after he missed training on Sunday and was not involved in Netherlands final workout on Monday morning before their trip to the German capital. 

If he plays in the match against Austria, he will be permanently cap-tied to his country of birth, ending any possibility of the Nigeria Football Federation convincing him to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.

In quotes relayed by Votebal Nieuws, Koeman said at the pre-match press conference: "He traveled to Berlin separately from us.

"Yesterday (Sunday, ed.) he had a mild fever and he did not train, not even this morning. But he was already feeling better and no longer had a fever.

"We will decide tomorrow whether he is fit enough is to take a seat on the bench. Other than that he has no complaints."

Napoli-owned midfielder Michael Folorunsho became cap-tied to Italy after a stoppage time appearance against Albania on June 15.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: knvb.nl

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