Vivianne Miedema & Jackie Groenen itching to return for Netherlands
Netherlands stars Vivianne Miedema and Jackie Groenen only need a negative Covid-19 test to return to action at Euro 2022, with symptoms already ‘under control’.
Groenen tested positive in the immediate aftermath of facing Sweden in Netherlands’ Group C opener at the weekend. Miedema, who has taken over as captain from the injured Sari van Veenendaal, followed suit two days later.
The absence of both on top of the tournament-ending injury for Van Veenendaal, and Aniek Nouwen’s problem has been a blow that the Dutch camp have had to try and deal with as best they can – a slightly rotated side overcame a scare to beat Portugal 3-2 on Wednesday.
The next round of testing for players will take place on Thursday, with Miedema and Groenen hoping to be released from isolation in good time to face Switzerland on Sunday.
Neither player was able to travel to Leigh Sports Village from the team’s base in nearby Worsley, but Miedema in particular was itching to take another test.
“Typical Viv, I had a text this morning: ‘Yeah I’m good, come on, get me back, give me the test’,” Netherlands coach Mark Parsons revealed.
“And Jackie is doing very well – I can just picture her doing sprints inside her room. We don’t know, we now wait for a negative test. Symptoms and everything are under control.”
Netherlands lead a tight Group C on goals scored ahead of Sweden going into the final set of games at the weekend. They will top the standings and book a more favourable quarter-final tie as long as they can match Sweden’s result against Portugal when they face Switzerland.
“Whatever comes, I think this team is ready. I’m not scared about anyone because I have 100% confidence in the team, the staff, everyone,” midfielder Damaris Egurrola said.
“I don’t really care who is going to come [in the quarter-finals], we can face whoever. We just have to focus on Switzerland.”
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