Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has included Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in his squad for the games against Switzerland and Germany.
Coach includes Huntelaar despite striker's broken nose
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has named Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in his 23-man squad for friendlies against Switzerland and Germany despite the Schalke striker breaking his nose in Europa League action on Thursday.
Huntelaar scored 12 goals as part of the Netherlands' impressive Euro 2012 qualifying campaign that saw them win nine of their ten fixtures.
The Dutchman sustained the break in Schalke's 0-0 draw with AEK Larnaca and will consequently wear a face mask in the forthcoming international matches.
"I spoke with him (Huntelaar) this morning and he proved eager to play this weekend for his club so there is no problem to count him for our matches," said Van Marwijk.
"Today they are preparing a special face mask for him to protect his injury and that should be enough."
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben, Jeffrey Bruma and Hedwiges Maduro were unavailable for selection through injury.
Ryan Babel and Ron Vlaar return as the coach drops winger Eljero Elia as Ajax wide-man Derk Boerrigter receives his first call-up to the national squad.
"I kept faith in Elia for a long time but now hasn't played for months at his new club Juventus, while Boerrigter has developed well," Van Marwijk added.
Squad:
Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Hoffenheim) Joris Mathijsen (Malaga), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax Amsterdam), Vurnon Anita (Ajax Amsterdam), Josh Heitinga (Everton), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Lisbon), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan).
