Klaas jan Huntelaar returned to Schalke’s starting line-up for the first time in five months and netted in a 3-0 win over Hamburg.
- By Michael Bell
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Huntelaar has been out injured since tearing knee ligaments in a defeat to Wolfsburg back in August. After two operations, and a long rehabilitation the forward was finally named in the Schalke line up for Sunday’s showdown with Bert van Marwijk’s Hamburg side.
The striker looked lively from the beginning, and netted a firm header on 34 minutes to give his side the lead on route to a comfortable 3-0 win. For Hamburg Ola John made his debut for the club, while Rafael van der Vaart also featured, and hit the bar with a late effort.
Huntelaar’s return will be good news for Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, who will bring the 30-year-old into consideration for his World Cup squad in the summer.
With Robin van Persie currently out injured, and with doubts over the Manchester United’s fitness, Huntelaar may head to Brazil as Netherlands first choice forward.
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Thank god the “Hunter” is back ….