Van Gaal: De Jong's World Cup could be over

The Netherlands midfielder is set to miss his side’s quarter-final against Costa Rica because of a groin strain but could be kept out for the remainder of the tournament

Netherlands may have to play the remainder of their World Cup campaign without Nigel de Jong, Louis van Gaal has revealed.

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The midfielder, one of the Oranje's best players in the group stages, was substituted just 10 minutes into his team's 2-1 win over Mexico in the second round as he suffered a groin strain.

And Van Gaal admitted that the midfielder is expected to miss the quarter-final meeting with Costa Rica, but is worried that he may not feature again in the tournament.

"De Jong had a small groin strain and I was forced to substitute him," van Gaal explained after the match.

"It's serious. I fear that it's over [for him].

"I don't know if he will be available for the quarter-final, though to be honest it's very unlikely he will be able to play the next match.

"He is one of my most important players, so this is an enormous loss for us."