NEWCASTLE United defender Sven Botman has been forced to withdraw from the Holland squad after a virus outbreak in the camp.

Botman is one of five players released from Ronald Koeman's squad alongside Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, Matthijs de Ligt, Joey Veerman and Bart Verbruggen.

It's a big blow for Botman, who had been recalled to the Netherlands squad after being left out for the World Cup.

Holland play France on Friday night and the Dutch federation say the squad will be "reviewed" after that Euro 2024 qualifier and before Monday's visit of Gibraltar, so Botman could yet link-up with the squad again.

A statement from the Dutch FA read: "Sven Botman, Cody Gakpo, Matthijs de Ligt, Joey Veerman and Bart Verbruggen left the training camp of the Dutch national team this morning. "They are suffering from a virus infection. After the match against France, the composition of the selection will be reviewed."

Botman has been a key man for Newcastle this season, quickly establishing himself in the backline after his summer move from Lille.