Pieëte ruled out of Netherlands challenge
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
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Forward Marlous Pieëte has been replaced by FC Twente team-mate Maayke Heuver in the Netherlands squad after sustaining a knee ligament injury in training.
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The Netherlands' ambitions at UEFA Women's EURO 2013 have been dealt a blow after forward Marlous Pieëte was ruled out of the tournament, meaning a recall for Maayke Heuver.
The 23-year-old FC Twente player, who helped her club side win the inaugural BeNe League last season, sustained a knee ligament injury during Monday's training session ahead of her country's opening Group B match against holders Germany in Vaxjo. She could be out of action for up to six weeks.
"Every injury now is lethal as the tournament only lasts three weeks maximum," said Pieëte. "Luckily, my injury is not too bad, but time is just too short to allow me to participate in the tournament. Lows are also part of sport at the highest level, and now I'm experiencing that for the first time. Obviously I feel connected to this team, so I want to support the girls from the stands as a fan."
"This is sad and a setback for the player and the team. But we will find a solution. The focus is now fully on the opener against Germany on Thursday," coach Roger Reijners said.
Reijners has called up Pieëte's club-mate Heuver, who was one of a trio of players told they had missed the final cut for the tournament squad less than a fortnight ago.
