Nathan Ake withdraws from Dutch squad for crunch Euro 2024 qualifiers through injury… after the defender was forced to miss Man City’s thrilling draw against Chelsea

• Nathan Ake was absent from the Man City squad against Chelsea due to injury 
• Ake will now miss upcoming qualifiers as the Dutch aim to seal a Euro 2024 place
• Why we should get excited about Cole Palmer – Listen here to It’s All Coming Up 

Nathan Ake has withdrawn from the Dutch national team for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers through injury.

The Manchester City defender was absent from Pep Guardiola’s squad for Sunday’s 4-4 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Ake had featured for Man City as a second half substitute in their 3-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League last week, but injury ruled him out against Chelsea.

The Dutch national team confirmed he will not join up with their squad due to an unspecified injury. 

‘Nathan Ake will not join Oranje’s training camp in Zeist tomorrow due to an injury, get well soon,’ a statement read.

Nathan Ake will miss The Netherlands final two Euro 2024 qualifying matches through injury

Ronald Koeman has an injury crisis as he aims to lead The Netherlands to next summer’s Euros

Your browser does not support iframes.

Ake’s withdrawal is the latest defensive headache for Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman ahead of their final Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Matthijs de Ligt, Micky van de Ven and Sven Botman are among the defenders unavailable, with Jurrien Timber also a long-term absentee.

Captain Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Daley Blind, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Jorrel Hato are the options available to Koeman at centre back.

The Netherlands currently lie second in Group B of Euro 2024 qualifying following a crucial 1-0 win over Greece last month.

Victory put qualification into their own hands as the Dutch national team joined Greece on 12 points but having played one game less.

The Netherlands face the Republic of Ireland on November 18 at home, before rounding off the group with a match against Gibraltar three days later.

Koeman’s side will expect to join group leaders France at next summer’s tournament in Germany.

Man City will also be sweating over Ake’s fitness for after the international break, with John Stones currently on the sidelines with injury. 

Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol are Guardiola’s only available senior defenders.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Read Full Article