Xavi Hernández has called up Sunderland‘s Brian Brobbey for the Netherlands’ fixtures in November despite Régis Le Bris asking to leave him out of the squad. 

The Spaniard took over from Ronald Koeman in August. A month later, he included the Sunderland player in his first list for the international break.

In September, Brobbey suffered an injury in the 1-1 draw against Germany and spent a month away from the pitch.

Le Bris wanted rest for Sunderland star 

Since regaining full fitness, the 24-year-old played four matches for the Premier League side. This includes 67 minutes in the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.

Towards the end of October, Régis Le Bris said he would call Xavi and ask him to leave Brian Brobbey out of the squad for November’s international break.

However, the former Barcelona manager didn’t accept the Frenchman’s request and has included him in the list. Oranje will face Greece and Germany in the UEFA Nations League later this month.

Xavi confirms no contact with Sunderland boss

On Monday, the national team manager had a press conference to discuss several topics, including the Sunderland frontman. Voetbal International have relayed his comments.

Xavi has confirmed he’s yet to hold talks with Régis Le Bris regarding Brian Brobbey, while he has had contact with the Netherlands international.

“I haven’t spoken to the manager. Brobbey played on Sunday. I have been in contact with him. Ruud van Nistelrooy too; they have a good relationship. We have spoken with every player who has a few minor injuries. But he feels good,” he said.

Another report from Voetbal International has relayed additional comments from the national team manager. He wants to find out about the Sunderland player’s situation once he joins the national team camp.

Xavi Explained: “He feels good; we will see how he feels when he reports here, but he played very well yesterday (Sunday). I am always open to talks with the coaches. We have to take good care of our players.”

Sunderland player drops out of NT squad 

Later that day, Oranje took to their official website to confirm Brian Brobbey and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk dropped out of the squad because of fitness issues.

A statement on their official website read: “Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey drop out from the Dutch national team’s upcoming international matches. Both players did not return fit from the past weekend’s matches and are therefore unavailable. The squad currently consists of 23 players.”

Xavi has decided not to replace the Sunderland frontman or the centre-back.

Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey aren’t fit enough to feature in the upcoming Nations League matches. ❌

No replacements will be called up. https://t.co/TB5aTNUcn3

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 9, 2026