Netherlands coach Marco van Basten left goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar out of his squad to play Euro 2008 co-hosts in a friendly.

Van Basten has told the 37-year-old, who has missed Manchester United's last two league matches with a groin strain, to concentrate on regaining full fitness with his club.

"I spoke with Edwin (van der Sar) and he told me that he still is recovering from his injury but will possibly play (against Liverpool) on Sunday, though he still is vulnerable," Van Basten said.

"I told him to focus on Manchester United, who have important matches coming up, and it is in our best interests that he will be fit when we start preparations for the Euro finals."

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie returns to the squad for the first time since October last year after an injury-plagued season.

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy underwent ankle surgery earlier this week but is expected to be fit in time for the finals.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Henk Timmer (Feyenoord), Piet Velthuizen (Vitesse Arnhem)

Defenders: Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa), Tim de Cler (Feyenoord), Urby Emanuelson (Ajax), John Heitinga (Ajax), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Mario Melchiot (Wigan), André Ooijer (Blackburn Rovers).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Nigel de Jong (Hamburg), Denny Landzaat (Feyenoord), Clarence Seedorf (Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Demy de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar)

Forwards: Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Ajax), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic).

Reuters