Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will be unable to play for the Netherlands in next week's friendly against Croatia because of an ankle injury.

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The 31-year-old Dutchman, who is Real's leading scorer with 12 goals this season, suffered a blow to his right ankle in Saturday's shock 2-0 defeat against Almeria.

Real said Van Nistelrooy was on crutches and would not travel to hook up with the Dutch squad who play Croatia in Split.