Holland coach Bert van Marwijk is confident Ibrahim Afellay will be fit in time for Euro 2012.
Holland boss eager to have Barca midfielder in Euro 2012 squad
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk is confident Ibrahim Afellay will be fit in time for Euro 2012.
The Barcelona midfielder tore the cruciate ligament in his left knee last week, ruling him out for around six months.
The 25-year-old had only just returned from a hamstring problem but Van Marwijk is determined to help get him ready for the finals, co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine from 8th June next year.
"I have spoken with Ibrahim several times already as he needs support after sustaining an injury like this just after he recovered from another tough injury," said the Dutch chief.
"He is very important for my squad."
Afellay was therefore absent from Van Marwijk's 23-man squad for Holland's last two qualifiers next week.
Robben return
The Dutch finish their campaign against Moldova on 7th October and Sweden four days later, although their qualification has already been guaranteed.
Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder (groin) and Everton's John Heitinga (knee) have also been ruled out.
Star winger Arjen Robben and midfielder Stijn Schaars return to the squad, with Robben set to make his first appearance of the qualifying campaign.
Van Marwijk admitted Schaars' summer switch from AZ Alkmaar to Sporting was an important factor in earning the chance to add to his 15 caps.
"Schaars is really improving and it is obvious that he needed a new stimulus and needed to be playing at a higher level," said the Holland coach.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea), Tim Krul (Newcastle)
Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Hoffenheim), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg), Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia), Joris Mathijsen (Malaga), Erik Pieters (PSV), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax)
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (Sporting), Kevin Strootman (PSV), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV)
Forwards: Eljero Elia (Juventus), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Jeremain Lens (PSV), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
