De Jong doubtful for rest of World Cup

Rio de Janeiro, June 30 (IANS) Nigel de Jong will probably miss the remainder of the FIFA World Cup due to a groin injury, the Dutch football association KNVB announced Monday.

De Jong limped off after nine minutes against Mexico (2-1) Sunday in Fortaleza and was substituted by Bruno Martins Indi, reports Xinhua.

A first medical examination showed that the injury is serious. Within two or three days further examination should give a more definite statement on extent of the injury.

De Jong was of crucial importance in the group phase matches as defensive block on the midfield.

He will most certainly miss next Saturday' s quarter-final match against Costa Rica in Salvador.

Besides De Jong, Leroy Fer also skipped the group training of the Dutch team in Rio de Janeiro.

Fer is still recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered five days ago on training.