Dutch handball players are preparing to pick a racket for the upcoming international matches in the Golden League against Norway, Denmark and Switzerland. National coach Per Johansson also witnessed the injury of Deon Hoescher and Harma van Krieg just before the training period. He has already missed Danic Snelder and injured Larissa Nouser and can’t count on Louis Abing and Tess Wester due to pregnancy.
“We have a lot of injuries and players not available. It’s a given,” the Sweden coach said at the team presentation at the Pappendale Sports Centre. “For this reason, the players who can now show themselves have been called up. We are completely focused on the players who are out there.”
Van Craig has an ankle injury and Heucher has his thumbs up. “Dion is still being examined by a hand specialist, but she will definitely not be able to participate this week. I hope she will be in the European Championships because she is an important player for the team because of her special skills.”
European Championship from 4 to 20 November. The Orange team plays group matches in North Macedonia. “We always have to go for a medal, but we are limited because I miss a lot of experienced players. Gold is a step too far. We will have to create a different style of play with new players in new roles. There is also more to expect.” The European Championship is the first chance To take a step towards qualifying for the Olympics in 2024, so we might as well be satisfied with a fifth, sixth or seventh place.”
The handball players play hosts Denmark on Thursday, meet Norway on Saturday and face Switzerland on Sunday.
