Seedorf to miss Germany tussle

The Milan midfielder picked up the problem during the Oranje's 1-0 friendly defeat to Republic of Ireland last Saturday.

Seedorf tweaked his hamstring in his fleeting appearance in the loss, with Holland initially confident he would be ready to line up against Germany.

But a second MRI scan has revealed the damage is slightly more serious than previously believed, although Seedorf has not torn his hamstring.

The 28-year-old will not train for the next five days and will now have to target a return to action for Holland's second match against Czech Republic.

Dutch coach Dick Advocaat lamented the injury to Seedorf but will not be able to call up a replacement for the midfielder.

"He will certainly be out for a week," commented Advocaat.

"We can only call a replacement if a player is so seriously injured that he will have to miss the whole tournament."

Advocaat's midfield had already been weakened by the withdrawal of Mark van Bommel, who was replaced by Manchester City veteran Paul Bosvelt.