The Netherlands’ World Cup preparations suffered a significant setback on Sunday when first-choice goalkeeper Justin Bijlow was substituted at halftime during Genoa’s Serie A match against Como due to a calf injury. The 28-year-old, who has been a mainstay in Ronald Koeman’s squad, now faces an anxious wait to determine if he’ll be fit for Oranje’s opening match against Japan on June 14 in Dallas.

What Happened in Genoa

Bijlow started in goal for Genoa in their home fixture against Como at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, but failed to emerge for the second half. Italian media reported the injury as a calf strain, though neither the club nor the Dutch FA have released an official diagnosis or recovery timeline. Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi confirmed post-match that Bijlow had sustained a “calf injury,” adding that the severity would turn into clearer in the coming days.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Bijlow, who had finally found consistency after a career plagued by injuries. Since joining Genoa from Feyenoord in January, he had started 13 consecutive Serie A matches, earning praise from Italian media for his performances. His form had secured his place in Koeman’s squad for March friendlies against Norway and Ecuador, though he didn’t feature in either game.

World Cup Implications for the Netherlands

The 2026 World Cup begins on June 11, with the Netherlands’ Group D opener against Japan coming three days later. With less than six weeks until the tournament, Bijlow’s injury raises pressing questions about Oranje’s goalkeeping hierarchy:

• Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion) remains the undisputed No. 1 if Bijlow is unavailable. The 22-year-old has been Koeman’s preferred starter in recent qualifiers.
• Mark Flekken (Brentford) is likely next in line. The 32-year-old has faced criticism at club level but impressed in Bayer Leverkusen’s DFB-Pokal semifinal win over Bayern Munich on April 2, with Manuel Neuer praising his performance post-match.
• Kjell Scherpen (Vitesse) is the third option, though his lack of recent international experience could see Koeman turn to a wildcard selection if both Verbruggen and Flekken are unavailable.

Koeman has already been forced to adjust his plans after midfielder Jerdy Schouten suffered a serious knee injury earlier this month, ruling him out of the tournament. The Netherlands’ depth will be further tested if Xavi Simons’ knee injury—sustained during PSV Eindhoven’s Eredivisie match on April 26—keeps him sidelined.

Bijlow’s Injury History: A Career of Frustration

Bijlow’s career has been defined by his talent and his fragility. The Rotterdam native, who made his professional debut for Feyenoord in 2017, has battled a series of injuries that have repeatedly disrupted his progress:

• 2018: Missed three months with a foot fracture.
• 2019: Sidelined for six weeks with a groin injury.
• 2020: Underwent ankle surgery, missing four months.
• 2021: Struggled with a knee injury that limited him to 12 appearances for Feyenoord.
• 2023: Missed the start of the season with a hamstring issue.

His move to Genoa in January 2026 was seen as a fresh start, and for 13 matches, he delivered. But as De Rossi noted, “In his 13th game for us, it went wrong again.”

What’s Next for Bijlow and Oranje

Genoa’s medical staff are expected to provide an update on Bijlow’s condition within 48 hours. The club’s next match is against Torino on May 4, a fixture he is certain to miss. For the Netherlands, the focus will shift to Verbruggen and Flekken, with Koeman likely to use the June friendlies against Scotland (June 6) and Turkey (June 9) to assess his options.

For Bijlow, the priority is ensuring he’s fit for the World Cup. As he told AD.nl earlier this month, “I thought I could finally trust my body again. Now, I just have to wait and see.”

Key Takeaways

• Injury Update: Justin Bijlow suffered a calf injury during Genoa’s match against Como and was substituted at halftime. The severity is not yet known.
• World Cup Impact: The Netherlands’ opener against Japan is on June 14. Bijlow’s fitness will be assessed in the coming days, with Bart Verbruggen the likely replacement if he’s unavailable.
• Goalkeeping Depth: Mark Flekken and Kjell Scherpen are the other goalkeepers in Koeman’s squad, though neither has featured regularly for Oranje.
• Injury History: Bijlow has battled multiple injuries throughout his career, including foot, groin, ankle, and knee issues.
• Next Steps: Genoa will provide a medical update within 48 hours. The Netherlands face Scotland and Turkey in friendlies before the World Cup.

How to Follow Updates

For official updates on Bijlow’s condition, follow:

• Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB)
• Genoa CFC Official Website
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Page

The Netherlands’ next match is a friendly against Scotland on June 6 in Rotterdam. All eyes will be on the goalkeeping situation as Koeman finalizes his World Cup squad.

What are your thoughts on the Netherlands’ goalkeeping options? Will Bijlow recover in time, or should Koeman look elsewhere? Share your comments below and follow Archysport for the latest updates.