Sari van Veenendaal forced to withdraw from Euro 2022 through injury
Netherlands goalkeeper and captain Sari van Veenendaal has been ruled out of the rest of Euro 2022 as a result of an injury suffered in the first half of Saturday’s clash with Sweden.
Van Veenendaal collided with her own defenders when attempting to reach a high ball in the penalty area and was withdrawn shortly afterwards, having initially tried to carry on.
Coach Mark Parsons reflected after the final whistle that things were ‘not good’ with the goalkeeper and the Dutch camp have now confirmed that she will take no further part in the tournament.
"It's terrible news," Parsons said.
"First of all for Sari, of course, but also for our entire team. Sari is much more than a player of our selection. She is our captain and a very important leader. We will miss her very much."
Unlike with outfield players, UEFA rules permit countries to replace goalkeepers in the squad in the event of injury, even after the competition has already started. Feyenoord stopper Jacintha Weimar has been called up as a replacement from the Dutch reserve list.
Daphne van Domselaar is now likely to continue as starting goalkeeper for the remainder of Netherlands’ involvement in the tournament. The Sweden game was only the 22-year-old’s second senior international appearance and she ultimately impressed after a slightly shaky start.
Aniek Nouwen was also concernedly forced off against Sweden with what appeared to be a knee problem. The Chelsea defender has been ruled out of the upcoming second group game against Portugal on Wednesday but has remained in the squad and could yet play again.
Netherlands are also without Jackie Groenen for the Portugal clash after the Manchester United midfielder tested positive for Covid-19 in the wake of facing Sweden.
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