The Dutch national team has been dealt a blow with the news that defender Gregory van der Wiel has pulled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to an injury.
After his move to Paris St Germain over a year ago, he has been unable to get into the national team. This season, he is been playing regularly and the French club, which has led to his inclusion to the national team. Louis van Gaal said after announcing the squad that van der Wiel has been playing for one of the top clubs in Europe at a consistent level and it is fair that his inclusion is warranted.
The 25-year-old has reportedly suffered a knee injury, which has been reported by the official website of the club. He has returned to the club in order to undergo treatment.
Louis van Gaal would have been hoping to experiment with some of the players in the final qualifying matches against Hungary and Turkey. The Dutch have become one of the first nations to qualify for the World Cup 2014 after managing to take 22 points from the eight matches so far. They are undefeated in the qualifying campaign, which is a boost to the nation after a poor 2010 World Cup, and are one of the favourites according to the latest football betting odds.
"After travelling to Amsterdam and back, the Paris Saint-Germain defender returned to the Ooredoo Training Centre and he will remain to receive treatment during the international break," said the statement on the website of PSG.
"Van der Wiel has played five matches in a row for the first time since I became the head coach last year. He plays on a high level in the Champions League, so it is logic I named him," Van Gaal said after announcing the squad. The 25-year-old defender has been a first-team regular for PSG by starting six league matches.