Dutch striker Van Persie ruled out of World Cup qualifier

AMSTERDAM, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Netherlands striker Robin van has been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria in Amsterdam on Monday due to a knee injury, the Dutch football federation said on Friday.

(Reuters)

Van Persie came on as a substitute in the second half of the 4-0 thrashing by leaders France in Paris in the Group A qualifier on Thursday.

It was the 34-year-old’s first game for his country in almost two years.

The Dutch must also do without defensive midfielder Kevin Strootman on Monday after he was sent off against France. No replacements will be called up.

The Netherlands, World Cup runners-up in 2010 and third in 2014, must beat Bulgaria to stand any chance of keeping alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the 2018 finals.

(Reporting by Mark Gleeson,; Editing by Ed Osmond)