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Dutch boosted by returns

Marco van Basten had three players back in training on Wednesday.

Holland pair Rafael van der Vaart and Giovanni van Bronckhorst both returned to group training on Wednesday after ankle injuries had forced them to undertake light training individually.

Hamburg midfielder van der Vaart was lined up alongside youngster Stijn Schaars in the centre of midfield in the absence of Philip Cocu.

Wesley Sneijder also completed some light workouts with the team as he bids to be fit for Holland's World Cup opener against Serbia & Montenegro on Sunday.

"Van der Vaart joined the group today and did well, while the prospect of Sneijder's situation is looking good," Marco van Basten said after training.

Meanwhile, van Basten has been impressed by the form of Dutch under-21 captain Schaars, who was called up along with Nigel de Jong as cover.

However, with the return of Sneijder and van der Vaart from injury, it is looking increasingly unlikely that Schaars will be called upon by the Dutch coach.

"Stijn made a good impression and could be a good replacement if necessary," he added.