Van Persie pulls out of Dutch squad

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie pulled out of the Dutch squad preparing to play Macedonia in a World Cup Group Nine qualifier on Wednesday.

Van Persie has been troubled by a hamstring injury he sustained during the 3-0 victory over Scotland on Saturday, the Dutch federation (KNVB) said in a statement on Monday.

The Dutch are top in Group Nine with 12 points after four matches, eight points ahead of Scotland and Iceland, who will meet in Glasgow on Wednesday. Macedonia have three points.