Player Kay Smits was absent from the qualifying matches
Kay Smits could not participate in the Euro qualifiers due to a back injury. He will be replaced by Marek Skwarczynski. The Netherlands will play Finland and Lithuania next week.

Player Kay Smits was absent from the qualifying matches
According to Nos.
Why this is important
Kay Smits' absence from the Euro qualifying matches will be a big loss for the Dutch handball team. As one of the brightest stars, Smits plays an important role in Oranje's gameplay. His absence could affect the team's competitiveness in the context that they need points to win tickets to Euro 2028.
Main point
- Player Kay Smits was absent from the qualifying matches.
- Kay Smits cannot participate in the Euro qualifiers due to a back injury.
- Handballer Smits mist EK-kwalificatieduels, sterspeler kampt met rugklachten.
The Dutch handball team will not have the services of player Kay Smits in the upcoming Euro qualifying matches. Smits, a 29-year-old player and one of the team's brightest stars, had a back injury and for safety reasons, the coaching staff decided to let him rest.
Smits' injury occurred in a match with VfL Gummersbach, where he has been playing since last year. The absence of an important player like Smits will certainly affect the team's strength in these important matches.

To fill the void left by Smits, coach Mark Bult called up youngster Marek Skwarczynski from club Wilhelmshavener HV to replace him. Skwarczynski, 20 years old, will have the opportunity to show his abilities in a context where the Dutch team is in need of freshness and youth.
Next week, the Dutch team will have two important matches within the Euro qualifying framework. First, on November 5, they will host Finland at Den Bosch, and then on November 8, they will visit Lithuania. Both of these matches are very important, because the Netherlands is in the same group as Croatia, a strong opponent in the race to win tickets to Euro 2028, held in Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.
The Dutch team is looking to regain form after failing to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. In the previous qualifying round, they were unsuccessful and the team was disappointed when they were eliminated from the group stage at the Euro in January this year. The upcoming matches will be a valuable opportunity for the team to prove itself and regain trust in the fans.
What happens next
The Dutch team will have to rely on Marek Skwarczynski, the young player just called up to replace Smits, to create freshness in the squad. They will face Finland on November 5 and then Lithuania on November 8. Both of these matches are very important in the race to qualify for the Euro qualifiers, especially when the Netherlands is looking to recover from defeat in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kay Smits was absent from the Euro qualifying matches for what reason?
Kay Smits is absent due to a back injury.
Who confirmed Kay Smits' absence?
The coaching staff of the Dutch handball team decided to let Kay Smits rest for safety reasons.
Why is Kay Smits absent at this time?
Smits' absence takes place in the context of the Dutch team preparing for important matches in the Euro qualifiers.
Is there anyone to replace Kay Smits in the lineup?
Marek Skwarczynski has been called up to replace Kay Smits.
When will the Dutch team play the upcoming Euro qualifying matches?
The Dutch team will play on November 5 against Finland and on November 8 against Lithuania.
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