THE HAGUE, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman announced his squad of 26 players for Euro 2024 on Wednesday, including injured FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and excluding Borussia Dortmund left-back Ian Maatsen.
From the preliminary squad of 30 players, Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon had already withdrawn on Monday due to injury. On Wednesday, Koeman chose to drop Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Nick Olij, Borussia Dortmund left-back Ian Maatsen, and Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber.
The omissions of Olij and Timber, who arrived at the training camp in Zeist on Monday with injuries, were no surprise. However, Maatsen's exclusion must be a blow. On loan from Chelsea, the 22-year-old Dutchman had a terrific season with Dortmund and is set to play in the Champions League final against Real Madrid next Saturday.
Frenkie de Jong is currently recovering from an ankle injury, but the FC Barcelona player is expected to be fit around the start of the tournament. The Netherlands will begin the group phase of Euro 2024 on June 16 in Hamburg against Poland, followed by matches in Leipzig on June 21 and against Austria on June 25. ■
