Netherlands news

Nigel De Jong out of World Cup

01-07-2014

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Netherlands midfielder Nigel De Jong has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup after sustaining a groin tear.

De Jong picked up the injury during the round-of-16 win against Mexico on Sunday and was replaced in the ninth minute by Bruno Martins Indi.

The Royal Dutch Football Association confirmed the AC Milan player will not play again in Brazil, but added that he will stay with the squad to continue his rehabilitation after an MRI scan revealed the extent of the injury.

Netherlands forward Arjen Robben said at a news conference on Monday that the loss of De Jong to injury was a "blow" for the team.

"It's a big blow, but our strength is that any of the players from the bench can come in and have a big impact on the game," he told NOS. "Everyone is sharp, so we can rotate."

Meanwhile, Leroy Fer is also likely to miss out on Netherlands' quarterfinal clash with Costa Rica on Saturday, having been struggling with a hamstring injury. He is expected to return should the Oranje advance to the semifinals, however.