Blind leaves Van Persie out of Netherlands squad

Robin van Persie will not be part of the Netherlands squad for the forthcoming international friendlies against Wales and Germany, head coach Danny Blind announced on Monday during a press conference in Zeist.

   Van Persie has struggled with his form since moving from Manchester United to Fenerbahçe last summer. "I think he doesn't play well and doesn't look fit," Blind said, while naming his preliminary squad.  

   At the start of his reign in August this year Blind had already replaced the 32-year-old forward as first captain by Arjen Robben and only started with him once in the last four matches. Blind emphasized the absence of Van Persie, the all-time top scorer of the Dutch national team with 50 goals, can be only temporarily.

   After the Dutch failed to qualify for Euro 2016 under Blind the preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign has already started for "Oranje". At the 2018 World Cup Van Persie would be almost 35 years old. "So I have to look at other options for his position, because I have to look at the future," Blind said.

   The preliminary squad of 26 players for the internationals against Wales on November 13 in Cardiff and against Germany on November 17 in Hannover included among others Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

   Feyenoord midfielder Marko Vejinovic was the only debutant. Blind will name his definite squad on November 6.  Endi