SBS Australia
Updated: Wed, Mar 23, 2005 09:51:19 AM AEST
The World Game
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Van Basten questions Bayern
PA
Dutch national team coach Marco van Basten has admitted he was surprised to
see Roy Makaay in action for Bayern Munich at the weekend after leaving him
out of his latest squad.
Van Basten was under the impression that Makaay (pictured) would be
unavailable for international duty in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers
against Romania and Armenia after speaking to Bayern’s medical team last
week, and therefore called up young Ajax striker Ryan Babel instead.
However, although Van Basten claimed he was told by Bayern that they were
“rather sceptical” about Makaay’s hamstring problem, ‘der Phantom’ started
against Hansa Rostock on Saturday and managed 67 minutes before being
replaced.
“Normally a fit Makaay is always part of our selection,” said Van Basten,
who was also frustrated with the case of Chelsea winger Arjen Robben.
“We also had no clarity about Robben and we did not want to have two
recovering players in the group. But Makaay showed that he was able to play
on Saturday at Bayern Munich. Robben is also totally fit.”
Van Basten’s other concerns on the first day of training in Noordwijk were
PSV pair Phillip Cocu and Mark van Bommel, who sat out with slight injuries.
Cocu is expected to be fit despite a painful hamstring, while Van Basten is
confident that Van Bommel (knee) will be able to play a major role after his
hat-trick against Ajax on Sunday.
“As far as can tell now they can participate on Saturday,” said the Oranje
coach.
“The chance that he (Van Bommel) may start is very big.”