Noa Lang opened up about the terrifying moment his thumb was nearly severed at Anfield, admitting that daily life has been difficult, especially when using the bathroom and playing games, but he is ready to help the Netherlands face Norway.
On 26 March 2026, Noa Lang, the Galatasaray player, updated on his gruesome thumb injury that almost cost him his dominant hand, speaking candidly after arriving at the Netherlands national team camp.
The incident happened during the UEFA Champions League match when Galatasaray visited Liverpool at Anfield. While sprinting normally, he lost control and collided violently with the advertising boards beside the pitch, causing his thumb to bleed. He had to undergo emergency surgery to reattach the thumb.
After recovering and being recalled to the national team, Noa Lang spoke to his home media outlet, Ziggo Sport, at the Netherlands training camp, giving an upbeat update on his condition.
"Honestly, I don’t remember many details about the injury, but the most important thing is that my thumb is still intact. The doctors managed to reattach it successfully," he said.
"I'm right-handed, so injuring my right thumb has made life very difficult, especially when using the bathroom (laughs) and while showering. But it can’t be helped. Luckily, I now have some people helping me out."
"I can’t play PlayStation at all right now! But at least I can still play football using my legs."
Despite the frightening injury threatening his career, the 26-year-old star maintained his characteristic humor, adding that he was fortunate not to lose an essential part and is ready to return to help the Netherlands in friendly matches preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
Friday night, 27 March (early morning 28 March): Against Norway at 02:45 (Thai time).
Tuesday night, 31 March (early morning 1 April): Against Ecuador at 01:45 (Thai time).