Boulahrouz stays with Dutch selection despite personal drama

Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz, whose daughter was born prematurely on Wednesday and unfortunately didn’t survive, will be staying with the Dutch selection.

It was announced on Thursday morning that Boulahrouz’s wife had been admitted to a Lausanne hospital due to complications. Their daughter, named Anissa, was born four months too early.

At a 2pm press conference, Netherlands manager Marco van Basten said that Boulahrouz would stay with the selection and is available for the match with Russia on Saturday.

“I understand that it’s very difficult for Khalid and we all try to support him as much as we can. But the focus has to be on the match with Russia at some point. He understands and wants that too,” said the manager.

It looks like Boulahrouz’s wife will be staying in Switzerland too, as the player has been given the freedom to leave the hotel at any point.