A thigh injury has ruled Netherlands captain Arjen Robben out of the friendly matches against France and England later this month.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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As The Netherlands look to build their side back up for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers later this year, they will be without their captain and best player for the two upcoming games against France and England. Robben, who missed his club, Bayern Munich’s, Champions League tie against Juventus earlier this week, picked up a minor thigh injury.
While it will be difficult to face talented European sides without their leader, it’s important for the younger generation of players to gain more top flight experience. Quincy Promes, who has been very important for Spartak Moscow is most likely to replace Robben. Ajax’s right winger Anwar El Ghazi may be called up to the senior squad in Robben’s absence, despite not being part of the pre-selection. Ibrahim Afellay and Luciano Narsingh may also feature on the right wing.
The final selection comes out on Friday, a squad which will hope to put 2015 behind them, and start brightly in 2016, working towards securing a spot in the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.
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I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
