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Davids and Van Bommel left out of Dutch squad [Fri Aug 26th, 2005]
Zeist, Holland (Reuters) - Midfielders Edgar Davids and Mark van Bommel were omitted on Friday from a 23-man Dutch squad for two World Cup qualifiers next month.
Davids, last named in the squad in October, has made an impressive start for Tottenham Hotspur but coach Marco van Basten said it was too early for an international comeback.
"Edgar has played only one and a half matches, and before that he didn't play for months," Van Basten told a news conference. "That is not enough for him to join the squad now, but we are still following him with special attention."
Davids was appointed captain after Van Basten started as coach in mid-2004. Last season he was largely on the sidelines at Inter Milan.
The Dutch, top in Group One by one point from the Czech Republic, travel to Armenia on September 3 and host Andorra four days later.
Van Bommel played his last international in a 2-0 qualifying win over Romania on June 4 when he was replaced early in the second half.
"In the last year we had several discussions with Mark (van Bommel) about what we expect him to do in our team," explained Van Basten.
"Now he has to show in the next few weeks at Barcelona that he belongs in our squad." Van Bommel left PSV Eindhoven at the end of last season to join the Spanish champions.
Van Bommel's Barcelona team-mate Giovanni van Bronckhorst returns to the squad after a thigh injury and PSV Eindhoven Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has been added for his strength.
"In both matches we don't expect too much from our opponents and know that we have to make things happen," said Van Basten about his choice of Vennegoor of Hesselink.
"And when it doesn't work out the usual way sometimes you need some physical power up front."
In October Holland travel to the Czech Republic and entertain Macedonia at home in the final two qualifying matches.
"The coming matches will be crucial and if we win three of the last four we are almost certain of qualification," said Van Basten.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Henk Timmer (AZ Alkmaar)
Defenders: Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Barcelona), Johnny Heitinga (Ajax Amsterdam), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Jan Kromkamp (Villareal), Barry Opdam (AZ Alkmaar), Khalid Boulahrouz (HSV Hamburg), Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven), Theo Lucius (PSV Eindhoven)
Midfielders: Nigel de Jong (Ajax Amsterdam), Hedwiges Maduro (Ajax Amsterdam), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax Amsterdam), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg SV), Phillip Cocu (PSV Eindhoven).
Forwards: Ryan Babel (Ajax Amsterdam), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Roy Makaay (Bayern Munich), Arjen Robben (Chelsea), Dirk Kuyt (Feyenoord), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (PSV Eindhoven)
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