Soccer-Koeman confident Dutch can cope with injury problems

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 Qualifier - Group B - Republic of Ireland v Netherlands - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - September 10, 2023 Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman reacts REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/File Photo

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Netherlands might be struggling with injuries going into their penultimate Euro 2024 qualifier against Ireland on Saturday but coach Ronald Koeman is still optimistic about their chances of securing a berth at next year’s finals in Germany.

The Dutch are without injured defenders Nathan Ake, Sven Botman, Mathijs de Ligt, Jeremie Frimpong, Lutsharel Geertruida, Tyrell Malacia and Micky van de Ven, plus star midfielder Frenkie de Jong and leading striker Memphis Depay.