Van Basten brings back Robben

Netherlands boss Marco van Basten has recalled Arjen Robben and Mario Melchiot.

Netherlands boss Marco van Basten has recalled Arjen Robben and Mario Melchiot to the squad for next week's World Cup qualifier with Andorra, but there is no place for Johnny Heitinga.

Robben has been in sparkling form for Chelsea since returning from injury and van Basten had no hesitation in bringing him back for the must-win game.

Melchiot has been a consistent figure for Birmingham and has been recalled after missing the last qualifier.

Ajax defender Heitinga has missed out, though, with van Basten feeling the young defender's form has dipped in the last month.

"Heitinga has been below his best in recent weeks," van Basten said on Friday.

"It is a pity because he is a very talented player with prospects for the future but right now I prefer in-form players."

AZ Alkmaar defender Joris Mathijssen has benefited from Heitinga's absence, with van Basten handing him his first international call.

Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar has kept his place in the squad despite losing his club place to Mark Crossley recently, but there is no spot for Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert.

Squad:
Edwin van der Sar (Fulham), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax); Khalid Bhoulahrouz (Hamburg), Mario Melchiot (Birmingham City), Nigel de Jong (Ajax), Philip Cocu (PSV Eindhoven), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), Joris Mathijsen (AZ Alkmaar); Mark van Bommel (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax), Edgar Davids (Barcelona), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar); Pierre van Hooijdonk (Fenerbahce), Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich), Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord), Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)