Dutch Midfielder Van Der Vaart Ruled Out of World Cup

The Netherlands playmaker, Rafael van der Vaart, has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury in training.

The veteran midfielder played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. His injury has reduced coach Louis van Gaal’s preliminary squad to 29, as the Oranje manager prepares to name his final 23-man squad on Saturday.

Holland are in Group B, which also features champions Spain, Australia and Chile.

Rafael van der Vaar Set to Miss Out on the World Cup With a Calf Injury. AFP PHOTO / JOHN THYS        (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Rafael van der Vaar Set to Miss Out on the World Cup With a Calf Injury. AFP PHOTO / JOHN THYS (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images)

The former Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, 31, endured a difficult season at Hamburg, with the German club involved in a relegation play-off decider with Greuther Fuerth.