In a significant boost for both the Dutch national team and Arsenal, Vivianne Miedema, the country’s all-time top scorer, has been called up for the first time since recovering from a serious knee injury.

Despite not yet featuring for Arsenal this season, she has been included in the national squad by coach Andries Jonker for upcoming matches against Scotland.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal lies on the ground after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women's Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal lies on the ground after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women’s Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Vivianne Miedema, the all-time top scorer of the Dutch national team, has received a call-up to the national squad for the first time since her serious knee injury.

Although she is yet to make her return for Arsenal this season, Dutch national coach, and former Arsenal man, Andries Jonker has included her in his selection.

“I spoke with Vivianne and Arsenal and looked at the possibilities. Vivianne trains with the group at Arsenal and she can also train with us with the group,” Jonker said in a press release.

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“If that goes well, it is possible that I will use her in the matches against Scotland.”

Miedema sustained a knee injury during a Champions League match against Olympique Lyon at the end of 2022.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is stretchered off after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women's Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is stretchered off after picking up a serious leg injury during the UEFA Women’s Champions League group C match between Arsenal and Olympique Lyon at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Further medical evaluation disclosed a torn cruciate ligament, requiring surgery and a nine-month rehabilitation period.

The Dutch team is set to play against Scotland in their next two international matches.

The first will take place at home in Nijmegen on 27 October, followed by an away match in Glasgow on 31 October.

Ahead of the games, Jonker acknowledged the challenges posed by the Scottish team, emphasising the need for full concentration.

“My very first match was at home against Scotland and we won 2-1 in the last minutes. A few weeks ago England won with pain and effort against Scotland.

“We have been warned because it is an extremely serious opponent that we cannot compete with in any way to underestimate,” Jonker added.

“The goal is to win twice so that we can take a good step towards winning the group.”

Miedema’s call-up signifies her successful recovery and suggests a potential return to action for Arsenal in the very near future.

The complete selection for the Dutch team also includes Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova along with players from clubs such as FC Twente, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain, and others.

Dutch squad in full:

  • Marit Auée (FC Twente)
  • Jill Baijings (FC Bayern Munich)
  • Lineth Beerensteyn (Juventus)
  • Esmee Brugts (FC Barcelona)
  • Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City)
  • Caitlin Dijkstra (FC Twente)
  • Daphne van Domselaar (Aston Villa)
  • Merel van Dongen (Atlético Madrid)
  • Daniëlle van de Donk (Olympique Lyon)
  • Damaris Egurrola (Olympique Lyon)
  • Jackie Groenen (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Renate Jansen (FC Twente)
  • Dominique Janssen (VFL Wolfsburg)
  • Wieke Kaptein (FC Twente)
  • Barbara Lorsheyd (ADO Den Haag)
  • Lieke Martens (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal)
  • Marisa Olislagers (FC Twente)
  • Victoria Pelova (Arsenal)
  • Jill Roord (Manchester City)
  • Katja Snoeijs (Everton)
  • Sherida Spitse (Ajax)
  • Jacintha Weimar (Feyenoord)
  • Lynn Wilms (VFL Wolfsburg)
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