Berkamps injury worse that thought admits doctor

PARIS, June 7 (AFP)

Dutch star Denis Berkamps hamstring injury is far worse than first thought admitted the teams 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 didnt want pressure to be put on him, although he does handle everything so well," said Dr Frits Kessel. Berkamp will miss Hollands opening match against Belgium on Saturday and will almost certainly miss their second match against South Korea on June 20. Bergkamps injury forced him to miss the culmination of Arsenals 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 stars 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 hell be able to guide us to the world title."

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