Matt Scrafton's verdict on Burnley's 3-2 defeat to West Ham
Burnley defender Quilindschy Hartman has pulled out of the Netherlands national team squad ahead of their away trip to Poland.
Burnley defender Quilindschy Hartman has pulled out of the Netherlands national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifier due to illness.
Hartman joined the Clarets from Feyenoord in the summer and has impressed so far, playing all but 11 of their Premier League minutes and sitting first among his teammates for chances created (12) and assists (4) - the latter a joint-league-high.
The 23-year-old’s form has seen him return to the national team picture, picking up his fifth cap back in October and his first since November 2023.
Hartman was due to travel to Warsaw to help the Netherlands take on Poland on Friday, with a win there enough to seal automatic qualification to next summer’s World Cup.
However, Dutch outlet Voetbal International has now reported that Hartman has left Ronald Koeman’s squad with an unspecified illness. The full-back will return to Turf Moor to prepare for Burnley’s clash at home to Chelsea once the Premier League returns.
Chelsea set for defensive boost ahead of Turf Mooor visit
Clarets fans will hope Hartman’s illness isn’t too severe, given how important he’s been to Scott Parker’s side so far.
On the other side of the aisle, Chelsea could be boosted by the return of a defender of their own for the trip to Turf Moor in the form of Benoit Badiashile.
The Frenchman has been out since the start of October after picking up a knock in Chelsea’s win over Liverpool, with Enzo Maresca suggesting he may not be seen again until December.
However, Football.London have reported that Badiashile is ‘progressing well’ with recovery from his muscular problem and even stands a chance of making the matchday squad against Burnley.
Maresca won’t be holding his breath, however, with the 24-year-old yet to rejoin team training.
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Scott Parker to call upon fringe players amid punishing winter schedule
This is the final international break of 2025 and the last one until March, so once the Premier League returns, the schedule will ramp up significantly.
This could prove quite the challenge for any side carrying injuries or suffering from a lack of depth, with those battling against relegation particularly vulnerable.
“Oh, for sure, yeah,” Parker replied when asked if he’ll be calling on fringe players during that run.
He added: “As always, you have a squad of 25 players and you're going to need all of them. At this moment in time, we've been pretty good regarding injuries. But like I said, I was hugely pleased with the subs that came on the weekend.
“I thought they made a massive impact in the game, showed their quality as well. So yeah, I was pleased with that.”
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