Bart Verbruggen
BrightonGK
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Aug 18, 2002 (23)
Right
6'4"
146 lb
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Day-to-day for opener
Verbruggen (hip) is day-to-day for Sunday's opener against Japan, according to manager Ronald Koeman, per Brian Owen of The Argus. "It's just a bruise. We don't know yet what that means for Sunday. We are hopeful, but we have to take it day by day to see how far along he is and whether that is enough to keep goal on Sunday. We still have a few days, so we'll wait and see because we have good goalkeepers with us. We are having discussions with all the players, and tonight I have a meeting with the goalkeepers, in which we will provide clarity. We have figured it out."
Analysis: Verbruggen is still recovering from a hip injury he suffered in a friendly and is now questionable to make the opener, as the goalie has been labeled day-to-day. This is a major talking point for the team, as he was labeled to be their starter, now potentially missing the opener as a precaution after the bruise to his hip. The club does have a few quality backups that could step into his place, so they are unlikely to sweat the situation too much, with Mark Flekken the likely option to replace him, while Robin Roefs also awaits a chance.
Taken off injured
Verbruggen was taken off the field in the 67th minute of Monday's 2-1 friendly win over Uzbekistan due to an apparent back injury, according to EPSN.NL.
Analysis: Verbruggen would have to leave the field Monday after a collision kept him down for some time, continuing for 12 minutes before he was finally taken off. He was able to walk off on his own weight after the apparent back injury, although this will be something to monitor. He is slated to be their starter in net, so an injury just six days ahead of their opener against Japan on Sunday is a major concern. The federation will hope for good news after testing, as he could have been taken off as a precaution, with Mark Flekken a likely replacement for the opener if Verbruggen misses out.
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