Van Nistelrooy left out of Netherlands’ WC training camp

(GSM) – Ruud van Nistelrooy’s hopes of making it to the World Cup were dealt with a blow after he was left out of the Netherlands’ 26-man training squad.

The Hamburger SV striker had been hoping for a return to the international scene with the tournament in South Africa approaching, but coach Bert van Marwijk chose to leave him out of the group that will begin a training camp next Monday.

Van Marwijk will name his provisional World Cup squad May 11.

Van Nistelrooy’s teammates Eljero Elia and Joris Mathijsen were included in Monday’s squad, along with newcomers Jeremain Lens of Alkmaar and Ajax’s Vurnon Anita.

Bayern München duo Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben and Internazionale’s Wesley Sneijder were also left out because of the Champions League final on May 22.