De Jong out of World Cup due to groin injury

Rio de Janeiro, July 2 (IANS) Nigel de Jong will be out for two to four weeks and will miss the remainder of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the Dutch football association, KNVB announced Tuesday.

An MRI scan in the hospital confirmed that De Jong suffered a tear in his groin muscle. He will stay with the Dutch team in Brazil to work on his recovery, reports Xinhua.

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

A first medical examination already showed that the injury was serious.

The absence of De Jong is a major blow for the Dutch team. He was crucial in the three group phase matches as a defensive block in the midfield.

The Netherlands will face Costa Rica in the quarterfinals Saturday.