Robben replaces Huntelaar in Dutch squad

Amsterdam, Feb 6 (IANS) Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar left the Dutch football training camp in Noordwijk Tuesday due to an eye injury and was replaced in the squad by Bayern star Arjen Robben for the international friendly here Wednesday.

Robben has been added to the squad, despite the fact that he won’t start in the match, reports Xinhua.

“Huntelaar has not trained, he went to hospital, where a bruising was ascertained,” said Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal.

Robben also suffered several injuries in the first half of the season. Since being fit, he has had to settle for a place on the bench at Bayern, and for that reason, Van Gaal at first decided not to select him.

“I only called up Robben because of Huntelaar’s injury,” said Van Gaal. “I need a forward and he is an extraordinary forward.”

Van Gaal left out big names in his squad, like Wesley Sneijder, John Heitinga, Maarten Stekelenburg, Rafael van der Vaart and Gregory van der Wiel.

The coach named the following line-up, with Manchester United‘s Robin van Persie leading the attack.

Netherlands: Tim Krul; Darryl Janmaat, Stefan de Vrij, Bruno Martins Indi, Daley Blind; Kevin Strootman, Adam Maher, Jordy Clasie; Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie, Ola John