Scotland will draw on the encouragement of recent performances as they look to take something from their Nations League double header against The Netherlands, according to Pedro Martinez Losa.
A sell-out crowd of 14,000 is expected for the first of those games tonight in Nijmegen with the odds of Scotland claiming their first Nations League win not particularly inviting; the Dutch, who were put out of this summer’s World Cup at the quarter-final stage to eventual winners Spain can welcome their all-time top scorer Vivianne Miedema back from a long-term ACL injury.
Martinez Losa has pointed to the steady progression of Scotland in recent months as scope for optimism but the loss of Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir is a serious handicap. With Sam Kerr and Emma Watson also out while Erin Cuthbert may return only for the game in Glasgow on Tuesday night, it is a considerable ask for Scotland to take anything.
“In terms of the development it is always good to be tested against the best,” said the Spaniard. “We have a constant trajectory that we analyse and our performances have been fairly consistent. We have confidence in the team that we have developed and we have confidence we can do it in the next two games.
“It is complicated that we are in the toughest group but we have proved in recent games that we can compete. It is an exciting challenge for the next two matches.”
Cuthbert could be expected to assume some of the leadership responsibilities in the absence of Weir. The Chelsea midfielder’s combativeness and industry could be key for Scotland as they navigate the next nine months or so as Weir recuperates.
Cuthbert picked up a niggle on Sunday on her quad however there is optimism that she can make Tuesday’s game at Hampden.
“The plan is going well and we hope that she will be back for Tuesday,” said Martinez Losa. “We don’t know for sure yet.
“We are developing a strong mentality as a group so that we can cope when we are without players
“There is a positive and a negative in every situation and we always try to find the positive. When others are out there is an opportunity for someone else to come in but it is fair to say that there are players who do give you something extra.
“It would be fantastic to have Erin available for the first match.”
