Image:Joris Mathijsen: Defender will miss Holland's game against Denmark but could be fit to face Germany
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has confirmed Joris Mathijsen will stay with the squad and hopes he will be fit for the Germany game.
Van Marwijk hopes defender will be fit to face Germany
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has confirmed Joris Mathijsen will stay with the squad and hopes the defender will be fit for the Germany game.
Mathijsen will miss Holland's opening match of Euro 2012 against Denmark on Saturday due to a hamstring injury and there were fears he could be forced out of the tournament.
However, the experienced centre-half has been making progress in his recovery and Van Marwijk has decided against drafting in a replacement.
Van Marwijk has received a positive bulletin from the team's medical staff and is optimistic Mathijsen will return to tackle Group B favourites Germany next Wednesday.
"My central defender is out," said Van Marwijk ahead of the Denmark clash. "But I hope to have him back against Germany.
"He will stay with us. He is making good progress.
"After talking with the medical staff we decided to keep him with the team. I will not replace him in the squad."
