Van Nistelrooy left out of Dutch WC squad

Amsterdam: Ruud van Nistelrooy has been left out of the Netherlands' provisional squad for the World Cup.

Coach Bert van Marwijk said on Tuesday the Hamburg forward was now fit but that a long-term absence had ended his chances.

Van Nistelrooy last featured for the Netherlands at the European Championship in 2008. Though the striker wanted to play in South Africa, Van Marwijk said he wasn't at his "normal level" because of a knee injury sustained while playing for Real Madrid.

There are no major suprises in the 30-man squad, which included Liverpool duo Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt, along with John Heitinga, Nigel de Jong and Robin van Persie.

Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder and Bayern Munich's Mark van Bommel along with teammate Arjen Robben are also in the squad.