No Sneijder, Robben in Dutch squad

Zeist (Netherlands), Oct 5 (IANS): Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal had to leave out captain Wesley Sneijder for the forthcoming World Cup 2014 qualification matches against Andorra and Romania Oct 12 in Rotterdam and four days later in Bucharest.

Internazionale midfielder Sneijder is suffering from a thigh injury. Arjen Robben, Jetro Willems, Bas Dost, Joris Mathijsen and Tim Krul are also on the absentee list due to injuries. Feyenoord forward Ruben Schaken and Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer make their debut in the Dutch squad, reports Xinhua.

Van Gaal decided to let Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Adam Maher (AZ) and Luuk de Jong (Borussia Monchengladbach) represent the Under-21 team in the final European U-21 Championship qualification play-offs against Slovakia.

“It’ s very important for Dutch football, we qualify for that final tournament”, he said.

However, Van Gaal could decide to call up some U-21 players or players who are coming back from injuries after the Andorra match.

“Injured players could return, like Joris Mathijsen,” Van Gaal said. “We still have a week to go. If Arjen Robben says he is fit, I’ll select him.”

Dutch squad for World Cup 2014 qualification matches against Andorra and Romania:

Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City)

Defenders: John Heitinga (Everton), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Ricardo van Rhijn (Ajax), Nick Viergever (AZ), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Schalke 04), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV), Rafael van der Vaart (HSV).

Forwards: Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce) Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Jeremain Lens (PSV), Luciano Narsingh (PSV), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Ruben Schaken (Feyenoord).