Heartbreak for Rafael: Van der Vaart out of World Cup

According to widespread reports in the Dutch press, Rafael Van de Vaart has been ruled out of the World Cup with an injury.

The attacking midfielder is set to have picked up a calf injury in training on Tuesday, rendering him unfit for the tournament.

The reports state that Louis van Gaal has decided not to take him to Brazil due to a left calf injury.

Van der Vaart suffered a torrid season with Hamburg and would have been looking to put that behind him in Brazil.

He has made 109 appearances for the Orange boys.