THE HAGUE, June 11, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - The Netherlands added Borussia Dortmund

defender Ian Maatsen to their Euro 2024 squad on Tuesday, after losing two
key players to injury including talismanic midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Maatsen's call-up was as a replacement for Barcelona star De Jong, who has
not recovered from an ankle injury that has dogged him all season, the Dutch
Football Association said.

Adding to coach Ronald Koeman's woes, midfielder Teun Koopmeiners will also
not be going to the tournament in Germany after suffering an injury in the
Oranje's final warm-up game against Iceland.

Koopmeiners would not be replaced, meaning the Dutch squad will consist of 25
players, the association said.

Left-back Maatsen should come into the tournament in good form after helping
Dortmund to the Champions League final, which they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.

His omission from the original squad raised some eyebrows.

While not among the top favourites, the Oranje could yet prove to be dark
horses, with an experienced defence and a midfield packed with talent from
Europe's top clubs.

They face a tough group, however, with joint-favourites France then Austria
to come after an opening clash with Poland.

Impressive friendly defeats of Iceland (4-0) and Canada (4-0) mean the team
is heading to the tournament full of confidence.