AMSTERDAM (AP) – Chelsea’s Strasbourg forward Emmanuel Emega received his first call-up from the Netherlands on Tuesday, replacing the injured Wout Weghorst ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
Emega, 22, will provide cover for Ajax veteran Weghorst, who is unlikely to be fit for Friday’s game against Poland.
A draw in Warsaw would effectively ensure group-toppers Netherlands’ place at the World Cup ahead of Monday’s final qualifier against Lithuania.
Emega will join Chelsea after the World Cup in North America in a move agreed in September. angered Strasbourg fans. They are losing a star player to their parent club.
Strasbourg is considered a feeder club for the ownership group of the US-backed holding company Blueco. Chelsea have loaned three young players to Strasbourg this season and sold a further two to French clubs, including former England left-back Ben Chilwell.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
