Injury-hit Dutch braced for Austria test

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has several selection concerns ahead of his side’s friendly with Austria in Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Star winger Arjen Robben has already been ruled out of the game, while Arsenal striker Robin van Persie joined Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong on the sidelines due to illness.

Robben trained with Bayern Munich’s fitness coaches on Tuesday as he continues his fight to regain full fitness following the severe hamstring injury he suffered during the 2010 World Cup.

With De Jong and Robben out, Twente’s Theo Janssen is likely to partner Mark van Bommel in midfield, while Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder has been passed fit and should start at PSV Stadium.

Van Persie had been tipped as a likely replacement for Schalke marksman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, whose domestic form has tailed off in recent weeks.

Despite the bad news on the fitness front, van Marwijk was full of praise for international newcomer Kevin Strootman, claming the 20-year-old Utrecht midfielder was handling the pressure of his first Netherlands call up well.

“I love footballers who have an overview in all situations, and who can think two or three steps in advance,” van Marwijk said.

“He is also a winner, he also dares to push forward playing modern football.”

“He’s got an incredible technique, he can shoot with his left leg as well, and since he was selected in the team, everyone looks on him differently.”

“Fellow players look at you, the press looks at you and the audience and for such a young boy, it is all overwhelming.”