Vilhena gets Netherlands call as Sneijder insurance policy

Feyenoord midfielder Tonny Vilhena has been added to Netherlands’ squad as cover in case Wesley Sneijder is unable to shake off a hamstring injury before Monday’s World Cup qualifier against France.

The Dutch made light work of Belarus on Friday in Group A, cruising to a 4-1 win thanks to two Quincy Promes goals and one each from Davy Klaassen and Vincent Janssen, but Sneijder’s forced withdrawal was a rare blemish.

Sneijder picked up a hamstring problem in the first half before subsequently being replaced by Davy Propper at the break and, while coach Danny Blind suggested he already had enough cover, one-time capped Vilhena will bolster their numbers.

In a brief statement, the Royal Dutch Football Federation said: “Coach Danny Blind has added Tonny Vilhena to the squad of the Dutch team on Saturday. The call-up of the Feyenoord midfielder is related to the hamstring injury suffered by Wesley Sneijder.

“The addition of Vilhena, who on Saturday afternoon  will report to the squad in Amsterdam, takes the squad up to 24 players.”

Netherlands host France at the Amsterdam Arena on Monday, with the two teams tied on four points after two qualifiers.