Dutch football doctor Cees-Rein van den Hoogenband believes Sunderland striker’s latest injury setback with the Netherlands is a clear consequence of fixture overload.
He had started all five of Sunderland’s Premier League games this season before reporting for international duty with the Netherlands.
The 24-year-old was handed a starting role by new Oranje boss Xavi in the 1-1 UEFA Nations League draw against Germany last week. However, his appearance lasted just 35 minutes before he was forced off with an injury.
AZ Alkmaar forward Mexx Meerdink replaced the former Ajax striker, who subsequently missed the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia.
Xavi confirmed last week that Brobbey had suffered an injury and would withdraw from the Netherlands squad.
He was not the only player forced out of international duty. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Tottenham Hotspur’s Jan Paul van Hecke, and PSV Eindhoven defender Lutsharel Geertruida also left the squad because of injuries.
Former PSV doctor Van den Hoogenband has now warned about the growing impact of fixture congestion on players. Speaking to Sportnieuws.nl, he highlighted the demanding schedule faced by footballers competing for both their clubs and national teams.
The Netherlands and several other European countries are currently involved in the UEFA Nations League, with four matches scheduled during the international period. The additional travel between club and international commitments only adds to the physical demands on players.
“That has a huge medical impact. Everyone can see that from the large number of injuries, both nationally and internationally,” Van den Hoogenband said.
He also expressed concern that the situation could become even worse because players are not getting enough time to recover.
“I hold my breath. I fear that many more will follow. It is like trying to mop up water with the tap still running, because players simply do not get the rest they need.”
The former PSV medical chief pointed specifically to Brobbey when explaining the difference between normal match injuries and problems caused by excessive workloads.
“Of course, it remains a contact sport. If something happens during a tackle, like with Cody, that’s all part of the game. But if you look at Brobbey, he has a very serious hamstring injury. That’s a typical example of overuse,” he explained.
Van den Hoogenband believes the Premier League schedule makes the situation even more difficult, particularly when international fixtures are added.
“The Premier League is already so tough with two matches a week, and then they throw in a Nations League period like this with four matches in two weeks. Incomprehensible.”
Brian Brobbey — Club Stats, All Competitions
| Season | Club | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Min/Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Ajax | 44 | 33 | 2,326 | 7 | 6 | 332 |
| 2025/26 | Sunderland | 32 | 22 | 1,967 | 7 | 1 | 281 |
| 2026/27 so far | Sunderland | 6 | 5 | 424 | 3 | 0 | 141 |
Brobbey’s Workload Since Joining Sunderland
Sunderland signed Brobbey from Ajax in September 2025 for a reported fee of around €20 million.
The striker initially had to settle for a place on the bench under Régis Le Bris before eventually becoming a regular starter and the focal point of Sunderland’s attack.
During the 2025/26 campaign, Brobbey featured in 32 matches for the Black Cats, accumulating 1,968 minutes while scoring seven goals and providing one assist.
He has made an even stronger start this season, scoring three goals in 424 minutes across six appearances.
Brobbey has also remained involved with the Netherlands throughout the calendar year. He has accumulated 385 minutes in nine international appearances, including four World Cup matches during the summer.
Since moving to Sunderland, the Dutch striker has played a combined 2,777 minutes for club and country.
While that workload is not particularly high compared with some other players, Van den Hoogenband believes the demanding schedule and limited recovery time have played a significant role in Brobbey’s latest injury.
The Sunderland striker’s setback has therefore added to growing concerns over player workload as clubs and national teams continue to navigate increasingly congested fixture schedules.
