FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Dutch star Denis Berkamp’s hamstring injury is far worse than first thought admitted the team’s doctor on Sunday. “The injury has been far worse than estimated in the beginning but there has been no point getting the people in the Dutch camp too worried about Dennis. We didn’t want pressure to be put on him, although he does handle everything so well,” said Dr Frits Kessel. Berkamp will miss Holland’s opening match against Belgium on Saturday and will almost certainly miss their second match against South Korea on June 20.

Bergkamp’s injury forced him to miss the culmination of Arsenal’s double-winning season – both the title-winning celebration against Everton and the FA Cup final victory over Newcastle. Dutch coach Guus Hiddink conceeds that his star’s lack of match practice concerns him.

“By the time we start the World Cup, Dennis will have been out of action more than six weeks,” said Hiddink. “Repairing an injured player is one thing, getting him match-fit is another. I hope and pray he’ll be able to guide us to the world title.”