The Netherlands’ bad luck with illness and injuries has continued with Arsenal goal machine Vivianne Miedema now self-isolating from the squad after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier today.
The Dutch Football Association, the KNVB, confirmed the news via a post on their official Twitter account this evening. The news comes just 48 hours after Manchester United’s Dutch midfielder Jackie Groenen tested positive for the virus.
It is thought that Groenen will miss The Netherlands’ next match against Portugal while Miedema could be absent for the remainder of the group stage. The Dutch also lost goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal and defender Aniek Nouwen to injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sweden at Bramall Lane.
On paper, The Netherlands should get the required points from their next two games to qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, although in reality, they may find it tough after losing four key players. In the case of Miedema, she was the shining light for Mark Parsons’ side in their tournament opener against Sweden.
The Netherlands’ second group match against Portugal takes place at the Leigh Sports Village tomorrow evening. The Orange Lionesses conclude the group stage with a fixture against Switzerland at Bramall Lane on Sunday evening.
Vivianne Miedema is helaas positief getest op COVID-19 en gaat daarom de komende dagen in isolatie. Wanneer zij geen symptomen meer heeft en negatief test, kan zij weer aansluiten bij de selectie. pic.twitter.com/6on9g4ZfU1
— OranjeLeeuwinnen (@oranjevrouwen) July 12, 2022