Roanld Koeman goes with new keeper for injury-hit Dutch squad

Netherlands named a new goalkeeping option for their upcoming European 2024 qualifiers against France and Greece but must do without key injured players as they battle for a place at next year’s finals in Germany.

Coach Ronald Koeman named uncapped Nick Olij from Sparta Rotterdam in place of Andries Noppert, who was the team’s first choice goalkeeper at last year’s World Cup but has been dropped.

Injury to Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay leaves the Dutch depleted for the clashes against France in Amsterdam on Friday next and Greece away in Athens three days later.

Koeman has recalled the Ajax Amsterdam striking duo Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey as well as the German-based wingback Jeremie Frimpong, who has been called up previously but is yet to win a cap.

The Dutch currently sit in second spot in Group B, ahead of Greece on goal difference following their 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on 10 September. With a game in hand over the Greeks, who will be in action at the Aviva Stadium in a week's time, Koeman's side will be looking to maintain their top-two placing, with games against Stephen Kenny's side and Gibraltar to come in November.

Additional reporting: Reuters