Robben back in Netherlands squad

Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink Friday welcomed back star player Arjen Robben in the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Kazakhstan Oct 10 and Iceland Oct 13.

Internationals Memphis Depay, Rafael van der Vaart and Ron Vlaar are all absent with injuries. Without Robben, who suffered several minor injuries, Hiddink lost his first two internationals in his second stint as Netherlands coach against Italy (friendly, 0-2) and Czech Republic (Euro 2016 qualifier, 1-2), reports Xinhua.

Against the Czech, Hiddink switched tactics in the first half from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3 and the Dutch lost due to a goal by Vaclav Pilar in injury-time. His decisions were criticised in Dutch media.

"We don't regret our approach against Czech Republic. Of course we might have changed some details. However, we missed several key players and had analysed the opponent well," Hiddink said.

For the internationals against Kazakhstan and Iceland, the Dutch will return to a 4-3-3 formation.

Compared to the preliminary squad, which Hiddink made known last week, Sven van Beek, Paul Verhaegh, Kenneth Vermeer, Davy Propper and Dirk Kuyt are absent. The latter announced his retirement as Dutch international earlier Friday.

Netherlands squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Iceland:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Jeroen Zoet (PSV)

Defenders: Jeffrey Bruma (PSV), Virgil van Dijk (Celtic), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle United), Bruno Martins Indi (FC Porto), Erik Pieters (Stoke City), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio Roma), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Olympiacos), Daley Blind (Manchester United), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Leroy Fer (Queens Park Rangers), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV)

Forwards: Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Luciano Narsingh (PSV), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moskou), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).