Brighton defender withdraws from Netherlands under-21 squad
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
and live on Freeview channel 276
The 21-year-old, who joined Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan in the summer, was named in the Dutch squad for the first time for their 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
But the central defender did not feature in his country's goalless draw with Bulgaria on Friday evening.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJong Orange manager Erwin van de Looi said van Hecke had been omitted due to injury and would not feature in Tuesday evening's crucial encounter with the Swiss.
Albion's towering goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, who is on loan at Belgian First Division A side KV Oostende, made a series of superb stops to prevent the Netherlands from falling to an embarrassing defeat.
The Dutch sit five points behind Group E leaders Switzerland, with a game in hand, as they bid to reach next summer's finals in Romania and Georgia.
The extent of the injury of the defender's injury has not been revealed by the Dutch FA. There are no plans to replace van Hecke in the Netherlands under-21 squad.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe young gun has become an ever-present for Blackburn since returning from a three-match suspension in November.
The centre half has been part of a miserly Rovers defence that has kept 11 clean sheets in their last 20 matches, of which van Hecke has played every minute, and was named the club's player of the month for February.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFor the latest breaking news where you live in Sussex, follow us on Twitter @Sussex_World and like us on Facebook @SussexWorldUK.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.