Netherlands provisional squad named for Bulgaria and Italy ties

Oranje boss Danny Blind has named his provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria and friendly with Italy.

Netherlands face Bulgaria in a must-win World Cup qualifier on the 25th of March before welcoming Italy to the Amsterdam Arena for a friendly match a few days later.

Blind has been rocked by the injuries suffered to first choice centre back pairing Jeffrey Bruma and Virgil van Dijk while Wesley Sneijder has not been included due to fitness. The coach has stated he will observe the midfielder over next ten days before deciding whether to call him in. There is also no place for Eljero Elia, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Robin van Persie or Patrick van Aanholt.

Making his debut in the selection is Lazio centre-back Wesley Hoedt, while in-form midfielder Jens Toornstra deservedly gets a call-up.

The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Barcelona) Michel Vorm (Tottenham), Jeroen Zoet (PSV), Tim Krul (AZ)

Defenders: Rick Karsdorp (Feyenoord), Wesley Hoedt (Lazio), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio), Bruno Martins-Indi (Stoke City), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Joel Veltman (Ajax)

Midfielders: Davy Propper (PSV), Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool), Kevin Strootman (Roma), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Bart Ramselaar (PSV), Leroy Fer (Swansea City), Marten de Roon (Middlesbrough), Jens Toornstra (Feyenoord), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord)

Attackers: Vincent Janssen (Tottenham), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Jeremain Lens (Fenerbahce), Quincy Promes (Spartak), Bas Dost (Sporting), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (Lyon)